Tolentino steadies ship in OT as NorthPort stuns TNT

Arvin Tolentino steadied the ship for NorthPort in overtime to eke out a 128-123 victory over TNT in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Friday, Dec. 1.

Tolentino scored seven of the Batang Pier’s 15 points in the extra period including a booming triple and a pair of free throws late to recover just in time after blowing a huge 15-point first half lead.

Tolentino finished with 27 points and nine rebounds – none bigger than his offensive board off a missed free throw from Fran Yu, leading to the game sealing free throws that gave NorthPort a 128-123 cushion with 10 ticks left in the clock.

Venky Jois also provided the stabilizing presence for the Batang Pier with a near triple-double performance of 21 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists along with four steals as NorthPort hiked its record to 3-2.

Joshua Munzon added 16 points built on four triples while NorthPort also got solid contributions from its rookies in Fran Yu and Cade Flores particularly during the overtime period.

Flores, who had some crucial steals while shadowing TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the extra five minutes, added 16 points and eight rebounds while Yu chipped in 14 points and six assists including the huge triple that gave NorthPort a 120-113 lead midway through the OT.

TNT, behind Hollis-Jefferson, however, refused to go down without a fight and went on a 10-5 spurt to come within two, 123-125, with 38 seconds left.

That, however, only set up the table for Tolentino who nailed the dagger trey to keep TNT at bay, 128-123.

Hollis-Jefferson turned in 35 points, but just like his 45-point explosion the last time out went down the drain as TNT dropped to a 2-3 record in the standings.

Calvin Oftana also had 22 points while Glenn Khobuntin and Jayson Castro added 20 apiece in a losing effort.