Arvin Tolentino dropped a rare triple-double as NorthPort beat down the ill-fated Terrafirma, 113-101, to gain a share of the lead in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The 2024 First Mythical Team member finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists as he helped the Batang Pier win eight of their last nine meetings, dating back to the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga.
But more importantly, they’ve now gone 2-0 in the conference, joining Hong Kong Eastern on top of the team standings as they tote similar cards.
“Just trying to make the right plays,” said the 29-year-old Tolentino. “I have to make sure also to not force things, kasi ayun ‘yung tinatry namin gawin as team, to distribute the ball, to make sure that everyone’s involved.
“Now, naka-10 assists ako. I have to give credit to my teammates, kasi sila ‘yung shumu-shoot–and also they’re getting themselves open,” he added.
Kadeem Jack top-scored for NorthPort with 32 points and 15 rebounds. He already had 23 and 13 by halftime, bannering their strong start toward a 56-40 lead at the break as they took advantage of Ryan Richards’ absence.
Richards only played a second in the ball game as he was taken out reportedly due to an injury, never to return and only watched his Dyip fall to 0-2.
Fran Yu notched his own double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Joshua Munzon made 12 points while William Navarro added 10 and 10.
NorthPort has been posting wins despite missing the services of Jio Jalalon and Paul Zamar as the seasoned guards are still nursing injuries.
The Batang Pier will shoot for their third win in a row when they face Magnolia on December 4, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Leading the practically all-Filipino Terrafirma, on the other hand, was the debuting Vic Manuel with 23 points and five rebounds.
Rookie Mark Nonoy made 21 points. Stanley Pringle had 15 points, Kevin Ferrer gave 14, while Louie Sangalang and Aldrech Ramos added 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for the side of acting head coach Raymond Tiongco.
The Dyip are still waiting for Terrence Romeo to suit up, hoping that he does so when they play NLEX on December 3 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
NorthPort 113 – Jack 32, Tolentino 21, Yu 13, Munzon 12, Navarro 10, Nelle 9, Bulanadi 5, Onwubere 5, Taha 4, Flores 2, Tratter 0, Cuntapay 0.
Terrafirma 101 – Manuel 23, Nonoy 21, Pringle 15, Ferrer 14, Sangalang 12, Ramos 10, Melecio 3, Olivario 0, Catapusan 3, Paraiso 0, Hernandez 0, Zaldivar 0.
Quarterscores: 32-24, 56-40, 85-69, 113-101.
