PBA: Arvin Tolentino stars anew as NorthPort stuns HK Eastern to take solo lead

Arvin Tolentino dropped 35 points on Eastern. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Arvin Tolentino put on a show for NorthPort as it took down Hong Kong Eastern, 120-113, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Tolentino played inspired basketball and erupted for 35 points on 10-for-16 field goals with six rebounds as the Batang Pier returned to their winning ways after getting stunned by the Phoenix Fuel Masters that snapped their 5-0 start.

Kadeem Jack led NorthPort, which will end 2024 on top of the conference standings at 6-1, with 38 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and three steals.

Chris McLaughlin posted 26 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, and one block for Eastern, which dropped to 5-2 after returning to the Philippines two nights after hosting San Miguel in an EASL game.

Hayden Blankley added 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

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