NorthPort and Ginebra have to wait over two weeks before finally testing each other’s mettle in the semifinals of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
The stage is set for NorthPort and Ginebra to battle it out in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
The Batang Pier are on a high after topping the elimination round and a strong first-round win over Magnolia, while the Gin Kings ride the crest of their latest series win against playoff rival Meralco in the quarterfinals.
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But before testing each other’s mettle on the court, the two teams go on a break to allow Gilas Pilipinas to focus on the final window of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
The best-of-seven semifinals will thus start on Feb. 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
How they got to the semifinals
NorthPort Batang Pier (9-3 record, no. 1 seed)
After collecting nine wins, NorthPort sat comfortably atop the standings for the first time ever and headed to the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat incentive.
The Batang Pier did not need that advantage.
After all, NorthPort squeezed through a Magnolia side that just rediscovered its groove last Feb. 6 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Usual suspects Arvin Tolentino and import Kadeem Jack delivered, but William Navarro made the biggest difference as he wound up with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
[ALSO READ: William Navarro steps up as NorthPort marches on to PBA Commissioner's Cup semis]
Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (8-4 record, no. 4 seed)
The Gin Kings had a harder route to the penultimate stage.
As a fourth seed, they needed to beat a tough Meralco side twice to claim the last semifinal slot.
Ginebra did so in Game 3 of their series on Sunday, Feb. 9 relying on Justin Brownlee to hammer out a 94-87 decision.
NorthPort ang Ginebra’s previous matchup
NorthPort proved doubters wrong when it trumped Ginebra, 119-116, in the elimination round last January 8.
The win was a statement of sorts for the Batang Pier, who proved their 5-1 start in the mid-season conference was no fluke.
The win was also five years in the making for NorthPort.
Joshua Munzon starred for the Batang Pier then, finishing with 27 points, two rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Joshua Munzon shines as NorthPort's Christmas break efforts pay off in win vs Ginebra]
“Everyone’s questioning about 'yung status ng team, na 'di kami nananalo sa big teams. I hope with this win, we proved na we’re here to win games,” said NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan after the win.
“We’re here to be competitive. Hindi 'yung basta-bastang nandito lang.”
[ALSO READ: NorthPort is here to win, says coach Bonnie Tan: 'Hindi 'yung basta-bastang nandito lang’]
Coach Tim Cone and the rest of the Gin Kings will definitely have their hands full when the two teams collide in the series later this month.