PBA: Streaking TNT avoids another scare from Converge; Arvin Tolentino leads NorthPort past Terrafirma

TNT made sure to deny Converge of another comeback upset, cruising to a 98-91 win to grab its third straight victory in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

Veteran guard Jayson Castro led the escape act with 14 points, including a massive three-pointer that pulled the Tropang Giga for good, together with five rebounds and three assists as they improved to 5-1 in Group A. 

The FiberXers, who defeated TNT in the first round courtesy of a game-winning four-pointer from Scotty Hopson, fell to their third straight loss to drop to 2-4. 

Converge almost did it again this time, crawling back from a 21-point hole in the third quarter before trimming the gap to as close as two after back-to-back baskets from Justin Arana and Deschon Winston, 93-91, with 1:29 to go in the game. 

However, Castro took matters into his own hands, burying the huge triple over Alec Stockton before the latter committed a turnover in the final 55 seconds, leading to a putback for Calvin Oftana. 

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted a double-double of 21 points and 10 assists together with seven rebounds and one steal while Rey Nambatac poured 17 markers. 

Meanwhile, Arvin Tolentino once again dazzled on both ends, posting a triple-double to steer NorthPort past Terrafirma, 133-107, to get back on track in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

The veteran sniper fired 23 points laced with 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Batang Pier recovered from two previous losses to improve to 3-3 in Group A. The Dyip remained winless at 0-6. 

Helping Tolentino carry the fight was import Venky Jois, who dropped 26 markers and 15 boards along with three dimes, two steals, and two blocks while Will Navarro chipped in 18 points and six rebounds. 

The win allowed NorthPort to return to the winning column after falling to Magnolia and streaking Meralco the past outings. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News