Northport delivers

MANILA, Philippines — For a change, NorthPort didn’t go through a grueling overtime game. But still, the Batang Pier had to sweat it out before reaching the finish line.

With Arvin Tolentino and Fran Yu leading the closeout, NorthPort weathered Phoenix’ fourth-quarter storm for a 124-120 verdict and back-to-back wins in the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The charges of coach Bonnie Tan moved to a share of third with NLEX at 2-1 after emerging victorious in their first regulation gig. Prior to this, the Batang Pier split two assignments that needed extra five minutes to settle, a 100-107 loss to the Road Warriors last Friday and a 112-104 win over Converge last Sunday.

Though held to only half of his league-best 30-point average, Tolentino knocked in a crucial basket and two free throws to give the Batang Pier a 121-116 breathing space after the debuting Fuel Masters wiped out a 13-point deficit and wrested a 111-110 lead.

Side by side with Tolentino was Yu, who canned a pair of clutch charities to go with a crucial steal and assist to Zav Lucero that sealed the deal.

Tolentino (15) and Yu (13) were only two of seven double-digit scorers for NorthPort.

Rookie Cade Flores produced a season-high 21 points plus 12 rebounds before fouling out with 1:03 left as Lucero gunned down a personal high 18, vintage Jeff Chan and Josh Munzon had 17 each and Paul Zamar shot 11.

“We have the luxury of players in the team who can score, deliver and finish,” said Tan, who drew 88 points from the NP bench. “I’m happy at least we’re able to capitalize on that and distribute the points.”

Jason Perkins banged in 28 for the Fuel Masters (0-1), who, riding on their semifinal finish in the previous Commissioner’s Cup, opened the game with nine unanswered points but found themselves playing catchup most of the way.

Meanwhile, Terrafirma (2-0) seeks to maintain its hot start and join idle Blackwater (3-0) at the top as it battles TNT (1-1) today at the Big Dome.

The Dyip are enjoying their strongest opening since going 4-0 in the 2016 Governors’ Cup.