Rivalry between NorthPort and Barangay Ginebra have consistently stood out as some of the most thrilling and closely watched games in recent years in PBA. In a thrilling matchup on January 8, 2025, the NorthPort Batang Pier secured a landmark 119-116 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena. This win was particularly significant for NorthPort, marking their first triumph over Ginebra since Game 1 of the 2019 PBA Governors' Cup semifinals, effectively ending a 14-game losing streak against the Gin Kings.
Game Overview
NorthPort showcased a dominant performance, leading by as many as 23 points during the game. The trio of Kadeem Jack, Arvin Tolentino, and Joshua Munzon played pivotal roles in establishing this substantial lead. Jack delivered an impressive double-double with 32 points and 16 rebounds, asserting his presence in the paint. Tolentino was prolific from beyond the arc, contributing 29 points, including six three-pointers. Munzon added 27 points and six assists, demonstrating versatility and resilience, especially after returning from a brief exit due to cramps.
Despite NorthPort's commanding lead, Ginebra mounted a formidable comeback in the final quarter. The Gin Kings narrowed the gap to just three points in the closing seconds. A critical moment occurred when Justin Brownlee, Ginebra's stalwart import, was fouled on a three-point attempt with 8.9 seconds remaining. Uncharacteristically, Brownlee missed the second of his three free throws, preventing Ginebra from tying the game. Subsequent defensive efforts by NorthPort, including a forced turnover by Munzon, sealed the victory for the Batang Pier.
Key Performances
Kadeem Jack (NorthPort): Led all scorers with 32 points and secured 16 rebounds, showcasing dominance in the interior.
Arvin Tolentino (NorthPort): Contributed 29 points, shooting efficiently from three-point range with six triples.
Joshua Munzon (NorthPort): Added 27 points and six assists, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes.
Justin Brownlee (Ginebra): Recorded a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds but struggled with efficiency, shooting 6-of-22 from the field and committing eight turnovers.
Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario (Ginebra): Each contributed 17 points, providing balanced scoring for the Gin Kings.
Implications of the Victory
This victory solidified NorthPort's position at the top of the standings with a 7-1 record, underscoring their competitiveness in the league. Head coach Bonnie Tan emphasized the significance of the win, stating, "Tonight’s game is a statement game from us. Everyone’s questioning our team because we seldomly win over the big teams. I hope that with this win, we proved that we’re here to win games. We’re here to be competitive."
For Ginebra, the loss dropped them to a 5-3 record, highlighting areas needing improvement, particularly in handling turnovers and defensive consistency. Despite the setback, the Gin Kings remain a formidable team, with expectations of bouncing back in subsequent games.
