STEPHEN Holt came up with the game-winning heroics in the dying seconds, leading Terrafirma to a 110-108 decision over NorthPort Wednesday and a clearer shot at a quarterfinals slot in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Not only did Holt came up with a drive for the marginal points in the last 3.1 seconds, but also played excellent help defense on Arvin Tolentino that led to the Batang Pier ace getting blocked by Kemark Carino in the game's final play.
Holt wound up with 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals to lead the Dyip out of a two-game slide and into an even 5-5 record overall.
Another win against Magnolia next Friday and Terrafirma should be able to realize a first-ever quarterfinals stint since the 2016 Governors Cup.
A loss in the Dyip's last game of the 11-game eliminations, however, mean their chances of advancing would hinge on the results of other games and/or whether they end up tied with other contenders for one of the last eight spots.
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It's a fate that Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel could live with, especially after his side finally garnered the most wins thus far with him at the helm while also finally snapping out of a seven-game losing streak to NorthPort.
"Effort lang talaga ng mga players. They all want to improve naman 'yung wins namin. Lagi na lang four, eh," said Cardel.
"Now we have a big chance at getting to the quarterfinals, but it's hard because Magnolia last game namin," added Cardel.
"Maybe this win will get us to the quarterfinals. Bahala na kasi nga... depende sa other teams, kung sino makaka-tie namin, Hopefully... makapasok pa rin kami."
Juami Tiongson tossed in 21 points before fouling out with still 24.6 seconds left, while Mark Louie Sangalang frolicked in his first-ever start with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists.
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Tolentino led all scorers with 25 points on top of seven boards for NorthPort, which also drew 18 and five from Cade Flores and 17 and six from William Navarro.
Still, the Batang Pier absorbed their fifth straight loss that relegated them to a 4-6 slate as they are now left looking forward to their last elims game against Blackwater on Saturday in the hopes of possibly salvaging a playoff spot for one of the last berths in the next round. (NC)
The Scores:
TERRAFIRMA 110 - Holt 22, Tiongson 21, Sangalang 19, Gomez de Liano 14, Go 10, Carino 9, Alolino 7, Cahilig 6, Ramos 2, Camson 0, Calvo 0.
NORTHPORT 108 - Tolentino 25, Flores 18, Navarro 17, Bulanadi 14, Zamar 10, Lucero 9, Munzon 7, PChan 5, araiso 3, Cuntapay 0, Yu 0.
QUARTERS: 27-22, 54-55, 88-78, 110-108
