TOLENTINO SAVES THE DAY AS NORTHPORT SNAPS LOSING SKID

MANILA, Philippines: Arvin Tolentino scored NorthPort's last eight points, including the go-ahead jumper with nine seconds to go to lift the Batang Pier to a thrilling 115-113 come-from-behind win over hard luck Blackwater in their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup match on Saturday at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

The win saw NorthPort snap a five-game losing skid to close the single-round eliminations with a 5-6 record.

The wards of coach Bonnie Tan await the results of the rest of the other teams at the close of the elims to see whether NorthPort can make the playoff outright, or figure in a play off for the eighth and last slot in the quarterfinals.

NorthPort's victory gave Barangay Ginebra a free ride to the quarterfinals, while ousting Phoenix. As per PBA chief of statistician Fidel Mangonon, the magic number of wins to earn an outright quarterfinal seat is six.

It was a sorry loss for the Bossing, who held a 112-107 lead heading to the final two minutes, thanks to the solid plays of veteran Troy Rosario and rookie big man Christian David.

But Tolentino willed the Batang Pier back to life that put a serious dent into the Bossing's hopes for a playoff spot.

Blackwater continued its free fall with its sixth straight loss after zooming to a 3-0 start this conference.

Tolentino led NorthPort with 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Joshua Munzon and rookie big man Damie Cuntapay added 16 and 15, respectively.

Rookie Zavier Lucero added 14, seven boards and four assists, while Fran Yu chipped in 11.

Rosario led the Bossing with 33 points, his best scoring output in a Blackwater uniform, along with nine rebounds and six assists.

David, on the other had, registered his second double-double in his young PBA career with 26 points and 15 boards.

2024-04-27T15:41:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd