Batang Pier, Tolentino hungry for more success

NorthPort forward Arvin Tolentino during a game against Terrafirma.–PBA IMAGES

Coming off a dream semifinal run in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, NorthPort is determined to create a better sequel, especially in the league’s most prestigious conference.

“I believe there’s room for improvement,” Arvin Tolentino said after Saturday’s 97-73 rout of the Terrafirma Dyip at Ninoy Aquino Stadium gave the Batang Pier a bright start to their Philippine Cup campaign.

“Last conference, we made the semis which is a big boost to our confidence going to this all-Filipino tournament,” he continued. “That made us believe that we can compete. We really hope that we carry the way we played last conference.”

NorthPort picked up where they left off in the second conference, with Tolentino falling short of the fourth triple-double of his career after posting 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists.

He got some help from William Navarro’s 18 points and 10 rebounds. Two-time PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honoree Joshua Munzon had 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Allyn Bulanadi added 10 points.

But assistant Rensy Bajar echoed what coach Bonnie Tan reminded NorthPort entering the conference that the success in the Commissioner’s Cup will have to be earned once more, with big games still ahead.

The Batang Pier will once again play Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum against the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters.

“It’s back to zero, as coach Bonnie pointed out,” said Bajar. “Since we lack size and we no longer have [import Kadeem Jack], we have to help each other out in terms of the little things like rebounds and assists.”

Terrafirma dropped its second straight game—another blowout—after opening the tournament with a win over Phoenix. The Dyip last week got clobbered by 38 points at the hands of the defending champion Meralco Bolts.

The Bolts, incidentally, look to rebound from their loss to the San Miguel Beermen last Sunday when they battle the Phoenix Fuel Masters at 5 p.m. at the same venue.

Meralco is coming off a 110-98 loss to San Miguel at nearby Rizal Memorial Coliseum during a retro-themed affair to commemorate the league’s 50th birthday.

But the Bolts hope to get back on track, not only led by Chris Newsome but also by rookie Kurt Reyson, who has shown glimpses of becoming a prominent part of the rotation.

Converge, on a 1-2 start, battles newly-minted 50 Greatest Players member coach Jeffrey Cariaso and his Blackwater Bossing at 7:30 p.m.