PBA: Arvin Tolentino leads NorthPort rout of Terrafirma

NorthPort forward Arvin Tolentino during a game against Terrafirma.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Arvin Tolentino fell two rebounds shy of a triple-double as NorthPort rolled past Terrafirma, 97-73, Saturday to open its PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a bright note at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Tolentino finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists to lead the triumphant result for the Batang Pier, who are looking to build on their Cinderella semifinal finish in the Commissioner’s Cup.

NorthPort topped the eliminations and defeated Magnolia in the quarterfinals but lost in five games to Barangay Ginebra in the semis.

READ: PBA: Despite NorthPort exit, Arvin Tolentino gets praise from coach

William Navarro posted 18 points and 10 rebounds while Joshua Munzon added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

The Batang Pier took control late in the first quarter behind Navarro and Allyn Bulanadi, who added 10, and never looked back to deal the Dyip another blowout defeat.

Rookie CJ Catapusan scored 16 points but Terrafirma dropped to 1-2 after a second straight setback.

READ: PBA: Arvin Tolentino, Northport find way to keep breathing vs Ginebra

Terrafirma’s closest chance was at seven with two minutes left in the second quarter, 40-33, but NorthPort wasn’t threatened further.

The Dyip did cut the margin to nine, 67-58, near the end of third, before the Batang Pier extended the gap in the fourth on their way to a positive start to the all-Filipino tilt.