Northport started strong and never let up, scoring a 112-95 wire-to-wire victory over Blackwater for its second-straight win in the PBA On Tour, Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Arvin Tolentino made his ‘On Tour’ debut and was solid with 22 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in just 23:54 floor time off the bench.
“We’re just happy na si Arvin Tolentino nakabalik na sa roster. Medyo lumuwag yung flooring lalo na sa offense namin,” said Northport head coach Bonnie Tan on the fresh Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, who made four triples, all in the second half.
The Batang Pier raced to a 32-19 first quarter before heading at the half armed with a 51-37 advantage.
Troy Rosario and James Sena tried to will the Bossing back in the third frame, inching within eight at 67-59 with 4:43 left but Tolentino pushed Northport’s lead back to 16 entering the payoff period, 85-69.
The Batang Pier improved to an even 2-2 record, tying the Bossing and San Miguel.
Joshua Munzon was effective as well for Northport with 19 points on a 7-of-12 shooting clip from the field along with five rebounds and four assists, while Paul Zamar added 17 points as well.
JM Calma went 8-of-10 from the field to finish with 16 points while Paolo Taha rounded out the Batang Pier’s double-figure scorers with 11 points.
Northport will look to continue its winning ways on June 17 against Ginebra at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Rosario paced the Bossing with 17 points and six rebounds, while RK Ilagan chimed in 15 points.
Up next for Blackwater will be Converge on Wednesday at the same Pasig venue.
The Scores:
Northport 112 – Tolentino 22, Munzon 19, Zamar 17, Calma 16, Taha 11, Ayaay 7, Salado 7, Bauzon 7, Santos 4, Bulawan 2, Balagasay 0, Comboy 0, Olivario 0, Sobrevega 0
Blackwater 95 – Rosari 17, Ilagan 15, Hill 12, Amer 11, McCarthy 11, Suerte 7, Banal 6, Sena 5, Publico 4, Ayonayon 3, Taha 3, Escoto 1, Ular 0,
Quarterscores: 32-19, 51-37, 85-69, 112-95
