NorthPort averted a huge collapse and escaped by the skin of its teeth against San Miguel, 105-104, to get back into the race for the Top 2 spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The Batang Pier squandered a huge 24-point lead in the second half but recovered just in time thanks to a clutch go-ahead jumper from Kadeem Jack and a rock solid defense in the final possession to preserve the win.

NorthPort snapped a two-game slide but most importantly remained in the running for the twice-to-beat bonus after improving to an 8-3 record in tie with Converge at the second spot and behind league-pacing TNT with a 6-2 slate.

Jack dropped 27 of his 38 points in the first half as NorthPort seemed to be easily cruising to the victory after taking an 83-59 lead early in the third frame.

The Batang Pier remained comfortably ahead through three quarters, 91-74 before the Beermen unloaded a searing 10-2 rally to open the payoff period and break into NorthPort’s double-digit lead, 93-84.

NorthPort had some answers from Jack and Tolentino but San Miguel remained pesky and kept the fight before finally taking the lead, 104-103, after two CJ Perez free throws.

That, however, only set up the table to Jack heroics who drained a tough jumper before NorthPort stopped the initial attempt from SMB to put the ball in the hands of June Mar Fajardo.

NorthPort then forced Juami Tiongson to an airball but the leather found its way to Fajardo who put the ball on the hoop but did not make it in time to beat the shot clock.

Tolentino provided support with 22 points and eight rebounds but missed the first of his last two free throws that could have sealed the win for NorthPort with 2.1 seconds left. He intentionally missed the second as SMB had to heave from halfcourt for its final attempt.

Will Navarro added 17 while Joshua Munzon added 12.

With the loss SMB slid to a 4-6 record making the chase for the eighth spot in the standings an open race between the Beermen, the Magnolia Hotshots, the NLEX Road Warriors and the Blackwater Bossing.

Fajardo tried to avert it with his 24-point, 15-rebound effort as CJ Perez had 16 and Don Trollano with 14 but to no avail.