Tolentino provides spark for NorthPort

MANILA, Philippines — In his first game since copping the Best Player of the Conference plum, Arvin Tolentino turned in a near triple-double performance of 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists.

And with William Navarro and the rest of NorthPort complementing Tolentino’s all-around performance, the Batang Pier opened the PBA Philippine Cup with a 97-75 rout of Terrafirma last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“This is a good start for us, sana magtuloy-tuloy na,” said Tolentino who is riding on his BPC-winning feat in the previous Commissioner’s Cup just as NorthPort is drawing confidence from its No. 1 seeding and semifinal appearance in the import-flavored tournament.

Without the dependable presence of an efficient import like Kadim Jack, the Batang Pier knew they had to do things by committee.

While Tolentino still led the scoring parade, Navarro dished out an 18-10 double-double as Joshua Munzon fired 15. Sidney Onwubere and Allyn Bulanadi chipped in 10 apiece.

What’s worth noting, according to NorthPort assistant coach Renzy Bajar, was the team’s ball distribution.

“Maganda ang ball movement namin. We had 27 assists. We hope to continue this in our next games,” he said.

Tolentino said he’s making a conscious effort to improve on other facets of his game.

“There’s an X on your back whenever you win something,” he said.

Later, NLEX improved to 1-1 after foiling the conference debut of Rain or Shine, 109-95.

Rookie Xyrus Torres exploded with a season-high 28 on a near flawless 11-of-12 clip while Robert Bolick shot 23 plus 10 dimes to power the Road Warriors.