Arvin Tolentino drops 35 and 9 vs. ROS as NorthPort goes 2-0

Arvin Tolentino provided a spark off the bench and erupted with import-like production as NorthPort pulled away late to escape Rain or Shine, 113-103, and remain undefeated in the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Tolentino led all scorers with a whopping 35 points built on five triples to go along with nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals to help the Batang Pier cop their second win in as many games.

A triple from the former FEU standout gave Northport a 19-point cushion halfway through the third period, 80-61, before the Elasto Painters staged a fightback to pull to within four late in the third, 103-99.

But the young guns from NorthPort proved their worth with rookies Brent Paraiso and Cade Flores conniving to again make it a double-digit lead for Batang Pier at 109-99.

Tolentino then put on the finishing touch with a layup in the final 43 seconds.

NorthPort import Venkatesha Jois also shone in the win, listing a double-double of 30 points and 21 rebounds laced with seven assists, one steal, and one block while Joshua Munzon chipped in 15 markers.

Dajuan Summers finished with 32 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks for Rain or Shine, which took a second straight loss to go 0-2.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News