NorthPort's Arvin Tolentino. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – NorthPort got its first win in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup by demolishing NLEX, 114-87, on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Road Warriors led by as much as 16 early in the fight, 25-9, but the rallying Batang Pier overcame the deficit after a 35-12 second quarter blowout.

Scoring machine Arvin Tolentino fired 29 points on 10-of-17 clip and 7-of-8 free throw shooting, while Kadeem Jack had a triumphant PBA debut, tallying 25 points and six rebounds to helping the winning cause.

Meanwhile, Mike Watkins collected 29 points on an 11-of-18 shooting in the loss.

NorthPort takes on TerraFirma this Saturday, gunning for a second straight win, while NLEX eyes breakthrough win versus Blackwater at the same game date.

The Scores:

NORTHPORT 114 – Tolentino 29, Jack 25, Bulanadi 14, Munzon 12, Yu 8, Navarro 7, Miranda 5, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 4, Taha 2, Flores 2, Tratter 2, Nelle 0

NLEX 87 – Watkins 29, Rodger 11, Mocon 10, Semerad 10, Amer 6, Torres 6, Bolick 3, Nieto 3, Nermal 3, Policarpio 2, Valdez 2, Herndon 2, Marcelo 0, Fajardo 0

QUARTERS:  21-29, 56-41, 91-67, 114-87