NorthPort leaned on Arvin Tolentino’s heroics to foil Terrafima’s comeback en route to a 104-100 win in the PBA on Tour exhibition tournament at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday.
Tolentino scored 28 points, with seven of them coming in the last minute and 34 seconds. He was also more active on defense, netting two blocks, nine rebounds, and two assists.
“Galing kami sa dalawang talo at ‘yun ang ine-emphasize sa’min ni coach sa practices na kelangan higpitan pa namin ang depensa namin,” said the 27-year-old forward. “As a leader sa team, kailangan mag lead by example.”
Paul Zamar added 21 markers, while John Calma chipped in 18 in NorthPort’s second victory in four starts.
Juami Tiongson paced the Dyip with 25 markers, while Javi Gomez de Liano added 19.
NorthPort was ahead 97-91 in the last 4:10 after Joshua Munzon’s basket. But Jelo Alolino unleashed five straight points, including a booming trey for Terrafirma with 2:39 to go.
Tolentino then stepped in and knocked down a triple followed by a layup to keep the Batang Pier afloat, 102-99.
He took the Batang Pier all the way home with a pair of freebies after Isaac Go’s trip to the free throw line.
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