As the PBA Commissioner’s Cup reaches the midway point, an unexpected name sits atop the standings: the NorthPort Batang Pier. After years of struggling near the bottom of the league, NorthPort has emerged as a legitimate playoff contender, silencing doubters who thought their early success was a fluke.
Tolentino’s Stellar Play Fuels NorthPort’s Rise
NorthPort’s resurgence has been powered by the breakout performance of forward Arvin Tolentino. The former FEU standout has taken his game to new heights, delivering a massive 35-point outburst in the Batang Pier’s statement win over guest team Eastern.
Tolentino’s efficiency has been off the charts, shooting a blistering 77.4% true shooting percentage. His ability to stretch the floor and punish defenses from all three levels has elevated NorthPort’s offensive attack.
A Complete Team Effort
While Tolentino has been the headliner, NorthPort’s success is a testament to their depth and chemistry. The backcourt duo of Joshua Munzon and Fran Yu have provided steady playmaking, while import Kadeem Jack has fit seamlessly into the team’s up-tempo style.
“We’re playing together, we’re defending, we’re running in transition. It’s been a total team effort and that’s why we’ve been able to sustain our level of play,” said head coach Robert Jarencio.
That balance is reflected in the numbers, as NorthPort ranks top five in both offensive and defensive rating. They’ve been stifling opponents to just 79.4 points per 100 possessions, second-best in the league.
Parity Reigns Supreme
NorthPort’s rise is emblematic of the parity that has defined the Commissioner’s Cup so far. Perennial powerhouses like Ginebra and San Miguel have looked vulnerable, while upstarts like Converge and Rain or Shine are making noise.
- Converge erased a 17-point halftime deficit to stun Ginebra and prove they belong among the contenders
- Rain or Shine has thrived in transition, pushing the pace off rebounds and turnovers to fuel their four-game win streak
- Despite flashes of brilliance, San Miguel has struggled with inconsistency and sits at just 3-3
As the conference heads towards the playoff stretch, the question is which teams will rise above the fray. Can NorthPort sustain their torrid pace? Will the established powers get back on track?
The Road Ahead
For NorthPort, the mission is clear: prove that their early success was no fluke. With a favorable schedule down the stretch, the Batang Pier have a prime opportunity to lock up a top-4 playoff seed and perhaps even dream of a first-ever Finals appearance.
Standing in their way will be the rest of a hungry PBA field, eager to claim the Commissioner’s Cup crown for themselves. The likes of Ginebra, TNT, and Meralco can never be counted out, and the race for playoff positioning promises to be fierce.
But with the way they’re playing right now, betting against NorthPort would be unwise. Coach Jarencio has his squad believing, and in a conference marked by plot twists, the Batang Pier might just be authoring the best Cinderella story of them all.
