The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
Games Tuesday
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m. Converge vs. NLEX
7:30 p.m. Phoenix vs. Northport
There’s no stopping NorthPort Batang Pier in the 2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
With PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live “Player of the Week” awardee Joshua Munzon leading the charge, the Batang Pier have posted a franchise-best-ever start of 5-0.
And believe it or not, the Bonnie Tan-mentored Batang Pier are having a Merry Christmas before the import-flavored conference takes a holiday break.
Munzon, who averages 22.5 points per game on 44 percent shooting from the three-point territory, along with six rebounds, 4.5 steals, and 2.5 assists per game, has put up these impressive numbers against Magnolia Chicken Timplados and Governor’s Cup champion TNT Tropang Giga.
“I’m confident in myself. Every time I shoot the ball, I think it’s going in. So, you know, just taking that shot with confidence and I was happy it went in,” said Munzon in an interview posted on PBA Press Corps facebook page.
The Batang Pier’s latest victims were the Converge FiberXers, with a 108-101 win that spoiled the debut of PBA No.1 draft pick Justine Baltazar at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, on December 12.
The trio of import Kadeem Jack, Munzon, and Arvin Tolentino combined for 83 points to spearhead the Batang Pier against the FiberXers.
Jack tallied a double-double performance of 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field on top of 15 rebounds in 44 minutes of action.
Munzon finished with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting while adding three rebounds, three assists and three steals in 43 minutes of play.
Tolentino had his own double-double of 21 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals to help the Batang Pier record their fifth win and stay perfect.
Evan Nelle added 13 points including two four-point shots, nine rebounds, and five assists.
“We just discussed na wag naming ibibigay sa isang rookie in his first game yung magandang ginagawa natin sa first four games,” said coach Tan in a post-game interview posted on PBA website.
“At least nag step up yung players natin to get that fifth win. Kumbaga yung run that was done by the team ay masisira lang ng isang rookie player. So na-challenge siguro sila sa ganun and na-realize ng mga players na masasayang nga yung 4-0 start nila.”
The Batang Pier are eyeing their sixth win against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on December 17 at the NAS inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
NorthPort also won against the NLEX Road Warriors, 114-87, on November 28, and the Columbian Dyip, 113-101, on November 30.