Sangalang drops career-high, Holt saves day as Terrafirma runs over NorthPort

Louie Sangalang and Stephen Holt came up big as Terrafirma sank NorthPort, 110-108, to remain in playoff contention in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The 6-foot-4 rookie Sangalang dropped a career-high 19 points alongside five rebounds, and two assists in a starter role as the Dyip halted their two-game slump to improve to 5-5. 

Another rookie in Holt made sure Sangalang's big night won't go down the drain as he buried the game-winning basket en route to a 22-point outing laced with 12 boards, five dimes, and four steals. 

The 32-year-old Holt escaped three defenders on the drive to the basket to give the Dyip a two-point advantage with 3.1 seconds left in the game, 110-108. 

That proved to be the dagger Terrafirma needed as it broke a deadlock forced by NorthPort gunner Arvin Tolentino, who drew Juami Tiongson's sixth foul in the final 24.6 ticks that set the stage for Holt to step up.

Tiongson finished with 21 points, six assists, and two rebounds while Javi Gomez de Liaño chipped in 14 markers, seven boards, two dimes, and two steals.

Tolentino, who had the chance to force an overtime but missed out on his final field goal attempt, still top-scored the Batang Pier with 25 points off the bench together with seven rebounds and two assists as they fell to their fifth straight loss to go 4-6. 

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.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News