TERRAFIRMA prized playmaker Stephen Holt got the leather from JP Calvo and moved near the halfcourt line. With the game on the line and all eyes on this year’s top rookie pick, he zoomed past his initial defender–NorthPort wingman Joshua Munzon–and attacked the basket with reckless abandon.
Not even a late challenge and the outstretched arms of Batang Pier big man Damie Cuntapay can halt Holt and the Dyip’s much needed win.
Thanks to Holt’s heroic play in the endgame, Terrafirma eked out a nail-biting 110-108 decision over NorthPort to get back on track in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The 6-foot-4 Holt rose to the ring and let it fly–a tough one-hander that bounced off before going in with only 3.1 seconds to go, to the delight of Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel and to the agony of Batang Pier counterpart Bonnie Tan.
Terrafirma center Kemark Cariño then completed the job by blocking a last-gasp attempt of NorthPort star Arvin Tolentino at the buzzer.
“Effort lang talaga ng mga players. They all want to improve naman iyong wins namin. Lagi na lang four,” Cardel said. “Now we have a big chance at getting to the quarterfinals, but it’s hard because Magnolia last game namin.
“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,” he added.
Holt wound up with 22 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for Terrafirma, while Juami Tiongson chimed in 21 markers, two boards and seven dimes.
Louie Sangalang also had 19 points, five caroms, and two feeds, while Javi Gomez de Liaño and Isaac Go added 14 and 10, respectively, as the Dyip kept alive their playoffs hopes and snapped a mini two-game losing streak that included a 104-116 defeat to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last April 13 and improved to 5-5.
The Batang Pier spiraled to their fifth loss in a row, counting a 100-120 setback at the hands of the defending champions San Miguel Beermen last Sunday for a 4-6 card.
Terrafirma fell 54-55 at the half but charged back and grabbed an 88-78 edge going into the fourth canto.
Tolentino carried the fight for NorthPort with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Cade Flores had 18 and five.
William Navarro and Allyn Bulanadi also got 17 and 14 markers, respectively for the Batang Pier.
