Arvin Tolentino rediscovered his scoring touch just in time to help NorthPort Batang Pier stave off elimination, securing a crucial 108-103 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win forces a Game 5, with Ginebra still leading the best-of-seven series, 3-1.
Tolentino and Jack Lead the Charge
After a slow start with just two points at halftime, Tolentino erupted for 18 in the second half, finishing with 20 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, four steals, and a block—his best performance of the series.
Import Kadeem Jack was a dominant force, delivering 39 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Will Navarro (16), Joshua Munzon (14), and Paolo Taha (11) also provided key contributions.
“I really had to step up kasi kung hindi, out na kami,” Tolentino said. “Three more wins seem impossible, but nothing is truly impossible.”
NorthPort’s Explosive Second Half
Tolentino caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 14 points, including a late three-pointer that pushed NorthPort to an 84-74 lead entering the final period.
Jack continued his inside dominance, converting an and-one play before Navarro drained a clutch three-pointer, extending NorthPort’s lead to 96-88. A fadeaway jumper from Jack gave the Batang Pier a commanding 104-93 cushion.
Ginebra’s Late Rally Falls Short
Ginebra refused to go down easily, going on a 7-0 run and capitalizing on NorthPort’s turnovers. A massive three-pointer from Stephen Holt off an RJ Abarrientos assist cut the lead to just one, 104-103, with 36.8 seconds remaining.
Jack responded with a clutch jumper, and Tolentino sealed the win with two free throws.
Ginebra’s balanced attack saw all five starters score in double figures, led by Justin Brownlee and Abarrientos with 18 each. Troy Rosario and Holt added 17 and 15, respectively.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
NorthPort will attempt to extend the series again in Game 5, while Ginebra will look to close it out on Friday.
Final 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.
📌 Quarters: 21-22, 54-50, 84-74, 108-103.