NORTHPORT unloaded seven straight points to start the overtime period and leaned on the clutch plays of Arvin Tolentino and Fran Yu to escape past TNT, 128-123, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Philsports Arena on Friday night.
The Batang Pier went on a 7-0 run to open the extra period capped by a Yu three-pointer before Tolentino scored five of the team's last six points to help NorthPort arrest a two-game slide for a 3-2 record.
Yu's big trey came after a mental lapse late in regulation that cost the Batang Pier a shot at a game-winner. He also had a turnover early in extra time.
"Beating TNT is a good thing for us," said Tolentino afterwards. "Masaya kami. Buti sinuwerte."
Tolentino finished with 27 points and nine rebounds. He was 4-of-9 from beyond the arc and hit a huge one with 58 seconds in overtime for a 125-119 Northport cushion.
Tolentino takes charge
The Gilas stalwart also had a huge offensive rebound later that led to two free throws and secured Northport's first win over TNT.
"Sabi ko sa kanila (Batang Pier), this is the right time to beat TNT dahil nga kulang-kulang sila," said Northport Coach Bonnie Tan, well aware of the injury issues hounding key players of TNT.
Import Venky Jois had an impressive all-around game of 21 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, Joshua Munzon and rookie Cade Flores added 16 each, while Yu chipped in 14 and six assists.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 35 points in just three quarters for TNT and added 13 rebounds, and eight assists, while Glenn Khobuntin came through with a career-high 22 points.
The Tropang Giga's second straight loss (2-3 overall) also spoiled the 22 points of Calvin Oftana, including 19 in the first half, and the 20-point production of Jayson Castro, spiked by a 4-of-6 shooting from three-point range.
The scores:
Northport (128) - Tolentino 27, Jois 21, Flores 16, Munzon 16, Yu 14, Calma 10, Paraiso 10, Caperal 5, Amores 5, Chan 4.
TNT (123) - Hollis-Jefferson 35, Oftana 22, Khobuntin 22, Castro 20, K. Williams 10, Ponferada 4, Montalbo 3, Aurin 3, Heruela 2, Galinato 2.
Quarterscores: 37-33: 61-62; 90-89; 113-113 (reg); 128-123.
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