NorthPort Fights Back to Stay Alive
Facing elimination after three consecutive blowout losses, NorthPort refused to be swept by Barangay Ginebra, securing a hard-fought 108-103 victory in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tolentino Leads the Charge
Arvin Tolentino, previously held in check by Ginebra’s defense, broke free with an impressive near-triple-double performance:
- 20 points
- 11 assists
- 9 rebounds
Tolentino emphasized the importance of stepping up:
“I really had to, otherwise, we’re out of it.”
Despite averaging just 11.6 points in the first three games, he found a way to make a difference, along with stellar contributions from:
- Kadeem Jack – 39 points (game-high)
- William Navarro – 16 points
- Josh Munzon – 14 points
- Paolo Taha – 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Defensive Adjustments Spark Turnaround
Assistant coach Renzy Bajar credited NorthPort’s renewed energy and aggressiveness on defense, which disrupted Ginebra’s rhythm. The team focused on pressuring the backcourt to frontcourt, which was crucial in keeping Ginebra at bay.
Clutch Moments Secure the Win
Despite leading by 11 points late in the game, NorthPort had to fend off a Ginebra rally that cut the deficit to just one point (103-104) in the final moments. Key plays sealed the win:
- Kadeem Jack – Clutch turnaround jumper over Troy Rosario
- Arvin Tolentino – Two crucial free throws to ice the game
The Road Ahead: A Tough Climb
With the series now at 1-3, NorthPort looks to extend their campaign in Game 5 on Friday at the same venue. Tolentino remains hopeful:
“Three more wins seem impossible, but I believe nothing is impossible.”
Can NorthPort pull off a historic comeback, or will Ginebra close out the series? Game 5 awaits.
The scores:
NorthPort 108 – Jack 39, Tolentino 20, Navarro 16, Munzon 14, Taha 11, Nelle 3, Bulanadi 3, Miranda 2, Onwubere 0.
Ginebra 103 – Brownlee 18, Abarrientos 18, Rosario 17, Holt 15, Malonzo 12, Thompson 11, J.Aguilar 10, Ahanmisi 2, Gray 0, Cu 0.
Quarterscores: 21-22, 54-50, 84-74, 108-103
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