By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Arvin Tolentino turned into a walking bucket for the NorthPort Batang Pier after erupting for a new career-high of 51 points during their one-sided 135-109 demolition of the Converge FiberXers in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup on August 29, 2024.
With only two minutes remaining in the final quarter of the game, Tolentino scored his 50th and 51st points after draining a perimeter isolation jumper from the left elbow.
Seconds after the leather kissed the net of their rim, the whole NorthPort bench exploded in joy, and Tolentino could just laugh and give the thumbs-up signal to his fans.
Tolentino already waxed hot in the first half, dropping 22 markers in the first two quarters that spearheaded NorthPort’s early double-digit lead on the FiberXers.
When the third canto started, Tolentino made it known that his goal was to reset his career high after attacking the basket every time he grabbed the leather.
With the amount of points he accumulated from the charity stripe while draining most of his three-point attempts, Tolentino already reached the 30-point mark as the third frame was about to close.
Tolentino stepped on the gas pedal in the final quarter, putting his head down in every drive which resulted in a 50-piece outing.
The versatile swingman shot a perfect 16/16 from the free throw line and also tallied seven rebounds and three assists in almost 42 minutes of playing time.
Last game, Tolentino only contributed 10 points for NorthPort, a motivation that drove him to his stellar offensive showcase that also helped his team rake back-to-back wins in the import-laced conference.
Aside from Tolentino, Joshua Munzon and Jio Jalalon also sparked NorthPort’s convincing performance with 19 and 13 points, respectively.
Tolentino will look to sustain his fiery offensive outing on September 1, 2024, as NorthPort will aim to maintain its winning streak against the Meralco Bolts.
