At Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Northport defeated Magnolia 113-110 on Thursday, overcoming a late comeback to advance to the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

After ending the Hotshots’ conference campaign, the top-seeded Batang Pier will face either Barangay Ginebra or Meralco in the semifinals for just the third time in the team’s history.

In order for the eighth-seeded Hotshots to have a chance to take it in the endgame, NorthPort had to overcome a last-ditch effort by Magnolia, spearheaded by Paul Lee, who made two four-pointers in the closing seconds.

But with the Hotshots trailing by three points in the closing seconds, Lee missed a four-point attempt.

For NorthPort, who overcame a 10-point hole with a 36-15 third quarter, Arvin Tolentino contributed 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting, while Kadeem Jack finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks.

In a short 5-0 blitz, William Navarro scored 15 points, pulled down seven boards, and made a triple to help NorthPort take its largest lead at 101-87.

“Every time, every practice, china-challenge ni coach Bonnie (Tan) especially ‘yung second group. Arvin, Josh (Munzon), and even Kadeem, pinaghahandaan na ‘yan ng team,” Rensy Bajar, assistant coach at NorthPort, remarked.

In the second quarter, NorthPort returned to its typical rhythm after Magnolia had taken a 57-43 lead.

“In the first half, siguro masyado kaming tight and at the same time, gusto namin kaagad na manalo in the first quarter pa lang. Ganda rin ng depensa ng Magnolia. Aware naman kami doon kaya in the second half, we adjusted,” Bajar said.

Magnolia’s four-game winning streak, which includes one over NLEX on Sunday for the No. 8 seed in the knockout round, was ended by the defeat.

In the Hotshots’ last conference game, Lee scored 22 points on 3 of 4 four-point attempts, while Mark Barroca finished with 26 points and 10 assists.

The Scores

NorthPort 113 – Jack 30, Tolentino 25, Navarro 15, Bulanadi 12, Nelle 12, Flores 10, Munzon 5, Yu 4, Tratter 0, Taha 0.

Magnolia 110 – Barroca 26, Lee 22, Ratliffe 22, Lucero 13, Sangalang 7, Abueva 6, Dionisio 6, Dela Rosa 4, Lastimosa 4, Ahanmisi 0, Alfaro 0.

Quarter scores: 25-32; 47-61; 83-76; 113-110.