NORTHPORT rode on another briliant all-around performance of import Jamel Artis to eke out a come-from-behind 124-117 win over Terrafirma and boost its chances for a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Artis finished with a near triple-double of 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists to power the Batang Pier to their fifth straight win in the import-flavored conference.

Despite a horrendous 0-5 start, NorthPort rebounded mightily into contention and forged a three-way tie for seventh place with Barangay Ginebra and Phoenix Super LPG.

Veteran Arwind Santos also had a vintage performance for the Pido Jarencio-mentored Batang Pier as he finished with 28 points and nine rebounds, Santos, who was traded by San Miguel Beer to NorthPort, hit timely three-pointers that helped the Batang Pier erase a 19-point deficit.

Robert Bolick also played well with 21 points, 17 assists, seven rebounds and three steals for NorthPort.

Jamie Malonzo contributed 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals.

“Terrafirma was up 19 points against us. But our players didn’t want to quit. Everybody’s helping, communicating. Players were stepping up with crucial shots. The team is really inspired,” said Jarencio, even as he reminded his players about the importance of their final assignment.

“We’ll go all out against TNT.”

Antonio Hester led Terrafirma with a game-high 40 points and 18 rebounds, followed by Joshua Munzon with 24

The Dyip, however, dropped to 2-8.

Meanwhile, Magnolia Pambansang Manok tries to extend its winning streak when it plays Alaska Milk in the featured game today.

Already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round, the Hotshots hope to sustain their momentum in their 4 p.m. battle against the Aces.

“We’ll just try to finish strong in the playoffs. Ever since San Miguel game playoff mentality na kami,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

The scores:

NorthPort (124) — Artis 31, Santos 28, Bolick 21, Malonzo 21, Ferrer 11, Balanza 4, Taha 4, Doliguez 2, Rike 2.
Terrafirma (117) — Hester 40, Munzon 24, Tiongson 18, Daquioag 10, Calvo 8, Go 5, Ramos 4, Camson 4, Cahilig 2, Pascual 2, Batiller 0.
Quarterscores: 35-33, 59-67, 96-97, 124-117.

Games Sunday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Magnolia vs. Alaska
6:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine