ANTIPOLO – NorthPort claimed its second straight win to start the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after beating Rain or Shine, 113-103, on Sunday at the Ynares Center.
Arvin Tolentino scored a career-high 35 points to lift the Batang Pier to victory - a big follow-up to their opening game victory over Terrafirma.
It is NorthPort’s first 2-0 start since the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup where the team also beat Rain or Shine and Terrafirma during that stretch.
Coincidentally, Tolentino’s previous career high came exactly one year ago where he hit 31 points in a 91-85 win over Terrafirma.
Tolentino poster
Tolentino capped his career night with a slam over Gabe Norwood with 2:35 left in the match for a 107-99 lead that all but sealed the win for the Batang Pier.
Venky Jois also continued his strong start after he added 30 points and 21 rebounds for the Batang Pier.
Dajuan Summers had 32 points and nine rebounds for the Elasto Painters, who after a good PBA on Tour campaign are off to a 0-2 start to the season.
The scores:
NorthPort 113 – Tolentino 35, Jois 30, Munzon 15, Calma 11, Flores 10, Chan 5, Paraiso 5, Salado 2, Yu 0, Caperal 0, Amores 0, Ayaay 0.
Rain or Shine 103 – Summers 32, Santillan 15, Caracut 13, Nambatac 11, Belga 10, Demusis 5, Borboran 4, Asistio 3, Belo 3, Norwood 3, Clarito 2, Mamuyac 2.
Quarters: 33-26; 51-48; 73-63; 113-103.
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