Barangay Ginebra secures QF spot; NorthPort stays alive with Tolentino game-winner

Barangay Ginebra took down Converge, 105-93, on Saturday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. International Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro.

Ginebra took control of the second half as it outscored Converge, 35-21, in the third period to end the said frame in their favor, 83-69. It also led by as much as 21, 96-75, halfway through the final frame before eventually getting its fourth straight win and improving to 7-3 to formalize its entry to the quarterfinals.

Christian Standhardinger had 33 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists to lead Ginebra, while Alec Stockton paced the FiberXers with 32 points.

Over at the Caloocan Sports Complex, NorthPort escaped Blackwater, 115-113, thanks to an Arvin Tolentino game-winner.

Tolentino made the basket with nine ticks remaining in the game as the Batang Pier remained on the hunt for a playoff spot as it improved to 5-6.

Tolentino had 27 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists for NorthPort while the win spoiled Troy Rosario's 33-point outing for Blackwater which went down to 3-6.

As NorthPort's win assured Ginebra of a quarterfinals slot, the victory also eliminated the Phoenix Fuel Masters from playoff contention.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News