This late in the season, three teams found themselves taking different routes in what they hoped would take team further in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
This took shape Tuesday night following the thrilling double-header at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
There, Blackwater kept its flickering quarterfinals bid alive, while NorthPort bagged another big win.
The Bossing, shorthanded without their high-scoring import George King, pulled off a 100-92 stunner over Phoenix. With the victory, Blackwater improved to 3-8 and stayed in the mix for the eighth and final quarterfinals spot.
Meanwhile, NorthPort survived a late-game scare from San Miguel, hanging on for a 105-104 win after a clutch basket from import Kadeem Jack with 16 seconds left.
The Batang Pier’s victory lifted them to a tie for second place at 8-3 with Converge, and they’re in prime position to secure a twice-to-beat advantage as the playoffs approach.
Phoenix now finds itself at 3-8 after its third straight loss, while San Miguel’s back-to-back setbacks have put the Beermen in a three-way tie with Magnolia and NLEX for the No. 8 spot at 4-6.
Now what’s clear is that Blackwater can easily rely more and more on its local lineup.
Justine Chua, Christian David, Mike Ayonayon, Jaydee Tungcab, James Kuwekuteye, and veterans Javee Casio and Jewel Ponferada can step up.
Even without George King, their solid play kept Blackwater’s quarterfinals hopes alive. Add a healthy rookie Sedrick Barefield into the mix, and the Bossing could be in for a more competitive run in the upcoming Philippine Cup.
Likewise, NorthPort is showing promise. Though they nearly let it slip away against San Miguel, NorthPort has accomplished something historic this conference—beating all three San Miguel Corporation teams for the first time in franchise history.
With their eyes now on a twice-to-beat advantage, the Batang Pier are positioning themselves for a deeper playoff run. If they can maintain this form, the team could make a serious push for the championship.
And finally, San Miguel’s import woes continue.
San Miguel’s struggles with imports continued as Malik Pope had a lackluster performance, finishing with just four points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes.
Pope, who was on the bench as San Miguel mounted a late rally, was brought in as the Beermen’s fourth import this conference, following Quincy Miller, Torren Jones, and Jabari Narcis.
If San Miguel wants to make a run at defending its title, don’t be surprised if they bring in yet another import. For now, their quarterfinals bid is very much up in the air.