Arvin Tolentino explodes for 41 points as NorthPort blasts error-prone Phoenix

Arvin Tolentino tallied his first 40-point game as a pro, although it was not considered an official career high. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Arvin Tolentino blasted off on Friday night to lead NorthPort to a 105-86 blowout win against Phoenix in their PBA on Tour battle on Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Tolentino finished with 41 points, which set a new career high even if he played in a preseason affair.

The six-foot-five swingman fired 14-of-22 from the field including 7-of-11 on threes in only 28 and a half minutes of play to fuel the Batang Pier's offense.

JM Calma also made an impression for NorthPort with 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and three steals off the bench.

Both Tolentino and Calma's offensive showing was just the icing on the cake that is their team's lockdown defense that forced 26 Phoenix turnovers.

Raul Soyud led Phoenix with 16 points, six rebounds, one block, and two steals before leaving the game hurt after a hard foul by Calma, which was ruled as a flagrant foul penalty 1.

Larry Muyang added 13 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and one steal off the bench.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno