By Peter Atencio
Arvin Tolentino came up with his third career-high performance in a year for NorthPort Batang Pier, which held off the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 113-103, in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday evening.
With Tolentino’s mom watching for the first time, the 28-year-old Batang Pier eked out a game-high 35 points at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The all-around presence of import Venky Jois helped Tolentino be at his best throughout the game as the Batang Pier notched their second straight victory.
Jois, a 6’8” Australian power forward, shot 30 points, to go with 21 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block for the Batang Pier.
“Venky helped us with his energy and aggressiveness. That’s why the locals were motivated and inspired with his effort,” said Batang Pier assistant coach Rensy Bajar, speaking in place of coach Frankie Lim, who was down with the flu.
Tolentino’s game eclipsed the 31 points he made during their match with the San Miguel Beermen last February.
Batang Pier, which also saw Joshua Munzon making 15 points, drew 12 points from Tolentino, while Jois added eight as they established a 33-26 edge at the end of the first period.
The 6’5” Tolentino erupted for 12 points in the last period, with his split charity handing Batang Pier their biggest edge in the fourth, 101-88, in the final 6:20.
Jois banged in 10 points in the second period as the Batang Pier moved away, 61-48, at halftime.
Tolentino’s trey with 5:18 to go in the third put NorthPort ahead by 19, 80-61, their biggest advantage.
The Batang Pier will go up against the Magnolia Hotshots next on Friday.