The NorthPort Batang Pier is back in the win column after grabbing a hard-fought win over the TNT Tropang Giga, 128-123, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Coming off a two-game skid, the Batang Pier was able to go toe-to-toe with the Tropang Giga for the entire game.
It was a fast-paced game between both squads, but in the end, it was NorthPort that had that extra step in them to secure the huge overtime victory.
Arvin Tolentino led the way for the Batang Pier with 27 points and nine rebounds–all while doing this off the bench.
“Nakatulong din 'yung coming off the bench ko kasi medyo nakita ko 'yung the way TNT defends and I just tried to be really aggressive right from the start and I was able to start strong today and hopefully same next game,” Tolentino said during the post-game press conference.
But it wasn’t just Tolentino who was carrying the load for NorthPort, especially during overtime.
Rookies Fran Yu and Cade Flores were responsible for the team’s 7-0 start into the extra period together which put NorthPort in the perfect position to secure their third win in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Flores and Yu added 16 and 14 points, respectively for the Bonnie Tan-led Batang Pier.
“To win against Talk N Text sabi ko, we have to outrun and outplay 'yung Talk N Text,” said Tan.
“Siyempre alam naman natin na rookies sila and mas fit kayo diyan, mas mabilis kayo. 'Yun nalang 'yung challenge namin na we have to outplay 'yung Talk N Text,” he added.
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NorthPort will look to build on this huge win as they face the struggling Converge FiberXers on Wednesday, 4 p.m. still at Philsports.
TNT, meanwhile, will have over a week to rest and prepare for their next game in the PBA which is against the NLEX Road Warriors on December 13.
(CF)