NORTHPORT saved itself from a humiliating defeat, storming back from a 15-point deficit to deny Terrafirma, 91-85, on Saturday in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Arvin Tolentino scored a career-high 31 points as the Batang Pier got back to .500 at 5-5 (win-loss) and avoided an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Dyip, who have gone 0-9 this conference and without a win in 25 straight games.
Terrafirma looked on the verge of breaking that slump when it opened a 44-29 lead, only to let it slip away again.
Tolentino actually had a double-double, grabbing 12 rebounds in the game. He also had 11 markers in the fourth to lead the comeback of the Batang Pier, who scored seven straight points after trailing, 81-78.
Robert Bolick added 12 points and 10 assists to atone for his 4-of-21 shooting from the field, while William Navarro had 12 points and seven rebounds for NorthPort, which also got 17 rebounds and six blocks from its import Prince Ibeh.
Lester Prosper had 23 points and 18 rebounds, and Juami Tiongson added 18 points.
Alex Cabagnot scored a conference-high 16 points in a losing cause for the Dyip, whose last win was exactly nine months ago in a 109-103 victory over Blackwater last February 12.
The scores:
NorthPort 91 – Tolentino 31, Bolick 12, Navarro 12, Ibeh 9, Sumang 7, Balanza 6, Ferrer 5, Ayaay 4, Salado 3, Chan 2, Taha 0.
Terrafirma 85 – Prosper 23, Tiongson 18, Cabagnot 16, Ramos 8, Alolino 8, Munzon 5, Calvo 3, Javelona 2, Cahilig 2, Camson 0, Gabayni 0, Gomez de Liano 0.
Quarters: 20-28; 45-55; 64-71; 91-85.
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