Joshua Munzon might not be hitting the big shots just like in the previous games but he made a big steal that translated into a Kadeem Jack dunk to put the entire NorthPort bench up on their feet late in the payoff period.

As if a proof that its dominance and firepower are no fluke, that exact sequence capped the decisive run as NorthPort claimed another huge scalp in Eastern, 120-113, to retake the the solo lead in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup standings on Friday, Dec. 20, at the PhilSports Arena.

A back-and-forth affair through the first three and a half frames, the Batang Pier unloaded a pivotal 10-3 spurt that turned a close 106-102 lead into a comfortable 116-105 cushion – an advantage they managed to protect until the final horn.

Arvin Tolentino and import Jack connived and carried the offensive load for NorthPort, particularly in the final frame where they combined for 20 of the team’s 30 points.

Jack poured 38 points and nine rebounds while Tolentino finished with 35 points and six rebounds as NorthPort is now alone on top of the standings with a 6-1 record.

Munzon added 15 points to go with two steals and a block while William Navarro had 10 and Fran Yu with nine points and nine assists.

Chris Mclaughlin finished with 26 points and 19 rebounds to lead Eastern which failed to sustain the momentum from its big wins over Ginebra in the PBA and San Miguel in the East Asia Super League this week.

Hayden Blankley added 24 and Kobey Lam with 18 – including two late four pointers that kept the Hong Kong-based team within striking distance before Yu and Jack sealed the deal with crucial free throws.

Eastern saw its three-game winning run snapped to slide to the second spot with a 5-2 slate.