ARVIN Tolentino and Venky Jois laid down the cue in both firepower and energy as NorthPort hurdled Rain or Shine, 113-103, Sunday to grab a share of the early lead in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
On the first anniversary of his first 30-point game, Tolentino notched a new career-high 35 points on top of nine rebounds while scoring the last four of his points during a 10-4 windup.
"Actually, ngayon ko lang nalaman (na new career high)," said the smiling 28-year-old, who resides in nearby Angono.
After its follow-up to a 108-103 win over Terrafirma, NorthPort now has its first 2-0 start since the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup and Jois was definitely as huge a factor with 30 points, 21 rebounds and seven assists.
"Venky can help us, especially in energy and aggressiveness. That's why the locals are inspired and motivated, because of his efforts," said Rensy Bajar, a deputy to head coach Bonnie Tan who was nursing the flu and declined from the post-game interview.
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"So Venky is a very big help for us, especially down the stretch. He's a veteran player and, also, he involves everyone. Iyun 'yung pinakamaganda sa kanya, his attitude," added Bajar.
The loss may be as bitter for Rain or Shine as its 102-107 defeat to Meralco last Wednesday.
The Elasto Painters were unable to match the Batang Pier's exertions from late in the opening quarter and fell behind by as much as 80-61.
With Rey Nambatac, Andrei Caracut and Santi Santillan catching fire and Dajuan Summers reinvigorated by a long spell on the bench, Rain or Shine managed to trim the deficit to just 99-103 but got done in for good by another spate of listless plays.
Rookies Brent Paraiso and Cade Flores and JM Calma then joined hands with Tolentino in delivering the finishing touches.
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Joshua Munzon chipped in 15 points while Calma and Flores combined for 21 points and 14 rebounds while alternating on trying to contain Summers.
Summers still finished with 32 points and nine rebounds to lead the E-Painters, who also drew 15 markers from Santillan and at least 10 points each from Santillan, Caracut, Nambatac and Beau Belga. (NC)
The Scores:
NorthPort 113 - Tolentino 35, Jois 30, Munzon 15, Calma 11, Flores 10, Chan 5, Paraiso 5, Salado 2, Ayaay 0, Amores 0, Caperal 0, Yu 0.
Rain or Shine 103 - Summers 32, Santillan 15, Caracut 13, Nambatac 11, Belga 10, Demusis 5, Borbroan 4, Asistio 3, Norwood 3, Belo 3, Mamuyac 2, Clarito 2.
Quarters: 33-26, 61-48, 83-73, 113-103
