PBA: NorthPort erases big deficit, downs Converge in OT

NorthPort forward Arvin Tolentino.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort overcame an 18-point deficit then regained its bearing after allowing Converge to force overtime with its play on both ends to take a 112-104 victory in the PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Arvin Tolentino scored 31 points while Joshua Munzon and rookies Fran Yu and Cade Flores were also major contributors in the Batang Pier barging into the win column after dropping their initial assignment to the NLEX Road Warriors two nights prior.

Munzon had 17 points, six rebounds and a career-high six steals to continue establishing his transition from being mainly known as a scorer into a defender while Yu added eight points, three rebounds, six assists and four steals.

SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup 2024

Coach Bonnie Tan’s team won despite looking like it was already a lost cause when Converge led 68-50 early in the third quarter.

But the Batang Pier put on a huge turnaround, forcing the FiberXers into turnovers while Tolentino, Munzon, Yu and Flores made plays.

A basket by Tolentino gave NorthPort a 95-91 lead, but Converge sent the game to an extension after a game-tying three by Alec Stockton made it 96-all.

NorthPort didn’t take a step back in the extra frame, scoring the final six points and never looked back.

Stockton had 27 points while Justine Arana finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds but Converge fell to 0-2.

The scores:

NORTHPORT 112—Tolentino 31, Munzon 17, Navarro 16, Flores 14, Bulanadi 8, Yu 8, Calma 7, Zamar 5, Paraiso 3, Adamos 2, Taha 1, Rosales 0, Lucero 0, Chan 0.

CONVERGE 104—Stockton 27, Arana 24, Santos 11, Nieto 6, Ambohot 6, Winston 5, Fornilos 5, Caralipio 4, Zaldivar 3, Melecio 3, Delos 2, Fleming 2, Maagdenberg 2, Balanza 2.

Quarters: 19-26, 42-53, 65-80, 96-96 (Reg.), 112-104 (OT).