PBA: Stephen Holt's layup, Kemark Cariño's block save Terrafirma from NorthPort comeback

Kemark Carino saved the day for Terrafirma with his buzzer-beating block on Arvin Tolentino. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Terrafirma's prized rookies Stephen Holt and Kemark Cariño stepped up at the death as the team averted a comeback threat from NorthPort for a 110-108 win in their crucial PBA Philippine Cup game on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Holt, the first overall pick of last year's draft, shot the game-winner, while Cariño, the 12th pick, went to work defensively with a buzzer-beating block.

Just as the Batang Pier seemed to have completed a comeback from six points down with 1:39 left to force a 108-all tie mainly through the heroics of Arvin Tolentino, Holt scored on a driving layup with only three seconds left to put the Dyip back up.

Tolentino tried to force overtime, but Cariño swatted away his layup attempt and grabbed the loose ball to preserve Terrafirma's win.

Holt led the Dyip, who tied the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters for fifth place at 5-5, with 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

Juami Tiongson added 21 points, two rebounds, and six assists.

Tolentino paced the Batang Pier, who dropped to 4-6 with their fifth straight loss, with 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block off the bench.

Cade Flores went 8-for-8 from the field for 18 points with five rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal.

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