PBA: Arvin Tolentino drops new career-high as NorthPort stops Keith Datu-less ROS to go 2-0

Arvin Tolentino dropped 35 on Rain Or Shine for a new official PBA career-high. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

IMUS--Arvin Tolentino tallied a new official career-high in the PBA on Sunday as he led NorthPort to a 113-103 win against Rain Or Shine at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Coming off the bench, the Asian Games gold medalist finished with 35 points to pace the Batang Pier, who quickly opened a double-digit lead over the Elasto Painters and even stretched it to as high as 19 midway through the third before settling for the 10-point win.

Tolentino, who made five triples in the game, came just four points shy of matching his unofficial personal best of 39 points that he tallied during the PBA on Tour preseason event.

Venky Jois added 30 points, 21 rebounds, seven assists, one block, and one steal, while JM Calma went 5-for-5 from the field for 11 points with five rebounds and one assist for NorthPort, which joined Meralco at the top of the team standings at 2-0.

Dajuan Summers made 32 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and five blocks to lead ROS, but he too committed eight turnovers that factored in the loss that sent them down to 0-2.

The team played without prized rookie Keith Datu, who is said to have left knee soreness.

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