The highly anticipated PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal clash between NorthPort Batang Pier and Magnolia Hotshots is set to unfold at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday. With contrasting strengths—NorthPort’s explosive offense against Magnolia’s stifling defense—the matchup promises intense action as both teams fight for a semifinal spot.
NorthPort’s Offensive Firepower
NorthPort enters the game as the top seed after an impressive 12-game elimination round, securing a win-once advantage against eighth-ranked Magnolia. The team heavily relies on its high-scoring trio:
- Kadeem Jack – 31.67 PPG
- Arvin Tolentino – 23.0 PPG
- Joshua Munzon – 18.42 PPG
With an average of 109.67 PPG, NorthPort leads the league in scoring, making them a formidable offensive force. In their 107-103 victory over Magnolia in the eliminations, the trio combined for 82 points, exposing Magnolia’s defensive lapses.
Magnolia’s Defensive Strength and Renewed Confidence
Despite entering the quarterfinals as an underdog, Magnolia is on a hot streak, fueled by its elite defense. Coach Chito Victolero remains optimistic, citing the team’s recent dominance on both ends of the floor.
Key Factors Behind Magnolia’s Confidence:
✔ Healthier Roster – The team is fully healthy for only the second or third time this season.
✔ Recent Defensive Dominance – Allowed only 88.75 PPG in the last four games.
✔ Stronger Presence in the Paint – Ranked No. 2 in points allowed (93.77 PPG).
Magnolia’s surge from a 3-6 record to a quarterfinal berth came after crucial wins against Phoenix, Hong Kong Eastern, and Meralco, capped by a dominant 112-81 victory over NLEX in the knockout match.
Ratliffe’s Impact and Magnolia’s X-Factors
A major difference this time is the return of Rakeem Christmas Ratliffe to peak form. In their previous encounter, he was limited due to a shoulder injury, allowing NorthPort to exploit Magnolia’s defense and earn 42 free-throw attempts. Now fully recovered, Ratliffe has been a dominant force, averaging:
- 27.5 PPG
- 17 RPG
Alongside Zav Lucero, Ian Sangalang, Jerom Lastimosa, and Mark Barroca, Ratliffe will be crucial in containing NorthPort’s offensive firepower.
What’s at Stake?
This marks NorthPort’s first-ever top seed finish heading into the quarterfinals. A victory would propel them to their third semifinal appearance and their first since the 2019 Governors’ Cup.
For that to happen, they will need contributions not just from their star trio but also from Fran Yu, William Navarro, Evan Nelle, and Cade Flores. Magnolia, on the other hand, is determined to force a deciding game and keep its playoff hopes alive.
Will NorthPort’s offensive juggernaut prove too much, or will Magnolia’s suffocating defense extend the series? The answer unfolds on Thursday.