Arvin Tolentino delivered a career-best performance, scoring 51 points to lead NorthPort Batang Pier to a commanding 135-109 victory over the Converge Fiber Xers on Thursday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Tolentino’s standout game came as Venky Jois struggled, helping NorthPort dominate in the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup.
Tolentino’s 51-point explosion is the league’s highest individual scoring feat in recent years since Stanley Pringle’s 50-point game in 2018. This victory catapulted Batang Pier into a three-way tie for the top spot in Group A, alongside TNT Tropang Giga and Meralco.
Joshua Munzon contributed 19 points to the win, helping solidify NorthPort’s position at the top of the standings. “We capitalized on their back-to-back games while we were well-rested after a five-day break,” said Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan.
The 28-year-old Tolentino took control from the start, scoring 12 points in the first quarter with Munzon adding nine, giving NorthPort a strong 38-24 lead. In the second quarter, Tolentino added another 10 points, with Jio Jalalon and William Navarro contributing seven points each, extending their lead to 68-50 at halftime.
Tolentino continued his dominance in the third quarter, scoring 12 points. A layup from Damie Cuntapay with 2:21 left pushed NorthPort to a commanding 96-67 lead. In the final quarter, Tolentino sealed the victory by scoring 17 points, ensuring Batang Pier’s 26-point triumph.
