A well-rested Northport Batang Pier came out of a 24-day layoff with fiery start and put away the TNT Tropang Giga, 112-96, Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Arvin Tolentino and JM struck hard with 29 and 22 points respectively for Batang Pier, which picked up their fourth straight triumph in the 2024 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
“Ganda ng ipinapakita nila sa practice. Binigay nila ang larong gusto natin,” said Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan.
Tolentino drilled in nine points in the first period as Batang Pier went on to grab the upperhand early, 32-18.
The 6’5” Tolentino knocked in 13 points in the second period, as he led the Batang Pier 61-34 halftime spread.
Batang Pier, which last saw action three weeks ago, are now in second spot with their 4-1 win-loss slate.
The Tropang Giga, behind RR Pogoy and Kim Aurin with 14 points, slipped in seventh position with their 2-3 card.
Tolentino’s triple in the last 11:18 of the third quarter gave North Port its biggest edge, 66-34.
Batang Pier managed to control the boards, 56-46, with Calma accounting for 13.
Joshua added 14 of Batang Pier, and he made seven of it in third period for an 75-57 spread.