PBA: NorthPort dumps TNT to sustain strong run

NorthPort Batang Pier star Arvin Tolentino in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort made the most out of a lethargic TNT on Friday to pull out a 112-96 victory and extend its winning streak to four games in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Batang Pier leaned on Arvin Tolentino and JM Calma’s big numbers to climb to 4-1 in the standings, tying the NLEX Road Warriors.

“I just requested (for the team) to stay consistent. And they gave me just that,” said head coach Bonnie Tan in the customary post-game presser for winning coaches shortly after the triumph at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup

Tolentino finished with 29 points and eight rebounds, while Calma had a double-double of 22 and 13. Joshua Munzon chipped 14 more in the effort that gave the club a head of steam in heading into a pair of matchups against traditional powerhouses.

NorthPort will next face Magnolia and then crowd darling Barangay Ginebra in the centerpiece showcase.

Roger Pogoy had 34 points, while Kim Aurin added 18 more for TNT, which suffered its third loss in five outings.

READ: PBA: Arvin Tolentino thriving as NorthPort ‘leader’

Calvin Oftana also contributed 13 points, but against a Batang Pier squad that was shooting 51 percent from the field, the Tropang Giga hardly stood a chance.

TNT will try to stop the bleeding against sister team Meralco this Sunday when the PBA brings its games at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.