The NorthPort Batang pier last made the semifinals in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier begin their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals campaign with a twice-to-beat advantage when they face Magnolia Hotshots on Thursday, Feb. 6.
The match starts at 5:00 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
[RELATE STORY: PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoff preview: NorthPort stakes historic conference vs Magnolia]
Finishing with an impressive 9-3 record, NorthPort secured the top seed for the first time in franchise history and is now just one win away from a coveted semifinals berth.
The Batang Pier already defeated Magnolia in the elimination round, 107-103, and will be looking for a repeat performance.
Leading the charge for NorthPort are Best Player of the Conference contender Arvin Tolentino, import Kadeem Jack, and Joshua Munzon, who will be tested against a battle-hardened Magnolia squad that fought its way into the playoffs after defeating NLEX in a knockout game for the No. 8 spot.
[ALSO READ: NorthPort import Kadeem Jack sees Magnolia counterpart Ricardo Ratliffe as inspiration]
NorthPort has never made the semifinals since the 2019 Governors' Cup and, with a golden opportunity at hand, the Batang Pier may end that drought and solidify their status as a serious title contender.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros]
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]