MANILA – NorthPort Batang Pier launched its PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a high note, cruising past Terrafirma Dyip with a 97-75 victory on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila City.
Arvin Tolentino spearheaded the win with an all-around performance, tallying 19 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds. William Navarro came off the bench to post a double-double of 18 points and 10 boards.
Joshua Munzon chipped in 15 markers, while Sidney Onwubere and Allyn Bulanadi added 10 points each to complete a balanced scoring attack for NorthPort.
The Batang Pier quickly asserted control, racing to a 24-13 lead in the first quarter. Onwubere’s basket later extended the advantage to 29-15, though the Dyip managed to narrow the gap to 38-47 at halftime.
Terrafirma tried to stay within striking distance in the third quarter, but NorthPort responded with timely buckets from Munzon, Bulanadi, and Onwubere to stretch their lead to a game-high 24 points.
Rookie Conrad Catapusan led Terrafirma with 16 points, followed by Kevin Ferrer with 15. Louie Sangalang and Brent Paraiso each contributed 10 as the Dyip slid to a 1-2 record.
Meanwhile, NLEX Road Warriors bounced back from their first defeat with a 109-95 victory over the debuting Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Xyrus Torres finished with a career-high of 28 points on an efficient 11-of-12 field goal shooting to lead the way for the Road Warriors, who have improved to a 1-1 win-loss slate.
Robert Bolick Jr. had a near triple-double of 23 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds, while Anthony Semerad and Jayvee Mocon contributed 18 and 12 points, respectively, for NLEX.
Caelan Tiongson top-scored with 24 points, Leonard Santillan added 13 markers, while Jhonard Clarito, Adrian Nocum, and Gian Mamuyac had 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively, for the Painters./PN
