Nearly three months ago, Arvin Tolentino scored his first triple-double against Terrafirma. He pulled off a treble against the same team on Saturday, Nov. 30.
If there is still any doubt Arvin Tolentino is NorthPort’s main man, this should completely change that.
For the second straight time, Tolentino emerged as the Best Player of the Game as NorthPort made quick work of Terrafirma, 113-101, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday, Nov. 30.
For the second time in his pro career also, the former Far Eastern University star recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Batang Pier preserved a 2-0 record in the mid-season conference.
[RELATED STORY: Arvin Tolentino sizzles with triple-double as NorthPort dismantles Dyip]
Nearly three months ago, Arvin Tolentino scored his first triple-double in NorthPort's 133-107 win against, incidentally, the same team in the Governor's Cup.
Asked about his tour-de-force outing, Toentino kept it simple.
“Just trying to make the right plays siguro,” Tolentino said after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“I have to make sure to not force things kasi 'yung tina-try namin gawin as a team is to distribute the ball, to make sure everyone’s involved.”
Tolentino then tipped his hat off to his teammates.
“Like now, naka-10 assists ako. I have to give credit sa teammates ko kasi sila 'yung shumu-shoot,” he added.
The starters indeed stepped up as the Batang Pier seized control from the get-go.
Import Kadeem Jack led the team with 32 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks.
Fran Yu put up a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists, while Joshua Munzon added 12 for the Batang Pier, who held led by as many as 23 points, 106-83.
“Right now, nagsa-start pa lang ang chemistry with the team, especially we have a new import. We’re hoping itong dalawang panalong ito ang magbigay sa'min ng boost this conference,” said NorthPort assistant coach Rensy Bajar.
Vic Manuel dons Terrafirma threads for first time
Terrafirma new acquisition Vic Manuel tries to tap the leather away from NorthPort's Joshua Munzon. | Photo (c) PBA
Meanwhile, Vic Manuel made a stellar debut for Terrafirma as he produced a team-best 23 points. He also had five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Terrence Romeo, however, is still out with a calf strain.
In his stead, rookie Mark Nonoy blitzed to 21 points built on four treys.
Stanley Pringle and Kevin Ferrer combined for 29 points for the Batang Pier, who simply didn’t have a chance against an in-form NorthPort.
It also did not help Terrafirma’s import Ryan Richards suffered from mid-back spams.
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