NorthPort forward Arwind Santos. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Taking all the enemy could offer on Saturday night, NorthPort pulled out all the necessary stops to scrape past Terrafirma, 124-117, in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Arwind Santos turned in another vintage performance, finishing with 28 points, nine rebounds for the Batang Pier who notched the fifth straight victory, rising to 5-5 overall and keeping them in contention for a spot in the quarterfinals.
“Terrafirma was up 19 points against us. But our players didn’t want to quit. Everybody’s helping, communicating. Players were stepping up with crucial shots. The team is really inspired,” said coach Pido Jarencio.
7:33 4q For the lead! Santos 👌🏼💣!
105-103 NorthPort #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/hMmJjoQY6L
— PBA (@pbaconnect) March 5, 2022
NorthPort has one more game left in its schedule, which would pretty much determine the club’s fate in this conference.
“The five wins would mean nothing if we cannot win the last one, which is against TNT,” he added. “We’ll go all out against TNT,” the animated mentor said.
Import Jamel Artis had 31 points and eight rebounds, while Robert Bolick and Jamie Malonzo added 21 each in a spectacular effort that rendered the club’s horrendous 0-5 start an afterthought.
Antonio Hester had 40 points and 18 rebounds, while Joshua Munzon tossed in 24 as the Dyip sank to 2-8.