By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The NorthPort Batang Pier came through when they needed to deliver after completing a statement win over the struggling Terrafirma Dyip, 133-107, in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup on September 8, 2024, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With the much-needed victory, NorthPort just ended its two-game skid and is officially back in the winning column of the import-laced conference.
The sloppy start of Terrafirma became the story of the game as they allowed the Batang Pier to build a wide 33-11 lead after the first 12 minutes of action.
After that unsynchronized performance in the opening period, Terrafirma failed to gather themselves and could only watch the rejuvenated NorthPort squad dismantle them in the last three quarters.
Arvin Tolentino was a man on a mission for NorthPort after flirting with a triple-double performance of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The versatile small forward was everywhere on the court and was involved in every play that NorthPort head coach Bonnie Tan ran in the entire game.
Tolentino had the chance to further boost his stats but after NorthPort protected their double-digit lead midway through the fourth, the coaching staff decided to pull him out of the game.
Venky Jois, NorthPort’s import who failed to suit up last game due to an injury, bounced back against Terrafirma and top-scored the team with 26 points.
The hardworking reinforcement was also efficient in all departments of the game after tallying an all-around outing of three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
William Navarro also stepped up when NorthPort needed him the most after contributing 18 markers and six boards while veteran floor general Jio Jalalon chipped in 12 points, nine assists, and seven boards.
NorthPort will target its second consecutive victory on September 11, 2024, against the Converge FiberXers in the first game of the scheduled doubleheader.
