PBA: Arvin Tolentino scores 35, NorthPort beats Rain or Shine

NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino.–PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO — Arvin Tolentino scored a career-best 35 factors as NorthPort whipped Rain or Shine, 113-103, for an ideal begin within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday.

The Batang Pier star capped his spectacular efficiency with a dunk over Elasto Painters veteran Gabe Norwood heading into the ultimate two minutes of the conflict at Ynares Middle right here, finally serving to his squad to a second straight win within the race.

“I feel everybody contributed in at the moment’s sport. Particularly our rookies—they had been unimaginable at the moment. They don’t seem to be taking part in like rookies. And the opposite guys as properly, they had been wonderful for his or her hustle and energy,” mentioned Tolentino.

“And Venky’s perspective. He’s contagious on the ground. Total, we had an awesome sport at the moment.”

Import Venky Jois was simply as regular, placing up 30 factors and 21 rebounds after a powerful debut within the win over Terrafirma final Friday.

Joshua Munzon had 15 factors, JM Calma 11 whereas rookie Cade Flores 10 extra, rounding out the double-digit performers for a NorthPort squad lacking a number of regular standouts: Paul Zamar, William Navarro and Paolo Taha.

DaJuan Summers completed with 32 factors and 9 rebounds, whereas Santi Santillan chipped in 15 extra for Rain or Shine, which stayed winless after two matches.

Tolentino’s final career-high got here precisely a yr in the past after Sunday’s milestone, additionally on the similar hilltop enviornment. The Asian Video games champion had 31 factors towards Terrafirma in that sport.

“We actually ready for this season. We simply readied to provide our greatest each sport. And since we’ve got Venky as an import. I feel that’s what lifted us to 2-0.,” mentioned Tolentino.

“Hopefully, the momentum continues, however we’ve got Magnolia subsequent which is a tricky project. However we’ll do our greatest.”