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MANILA, Philippines – NorthPort and NLEX aced their assignments on Saturday in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The Batang Pier cruised past the Christian Standhardinger-less Terrafirma, 113-101, while the Road Warriors leaned on Robert Bolick and Mike Watkins for a 107-95 triumph over George King and the rest of Blackwater at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

NorthPort scoring machine Arvin Tolentino went beyond expectations by putting up a rare triple-double of 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for their second win in as many games, while Kareem Jack, for his part, led by example after tallying 32 points and 15 rebounds in 35 minutes of action.

Meanwhile, King's 40-point eruption went down the drain after Blackwater went 0-2, as NLEX enjoyed Bolick's 23-point, 10-assist showing for a bounce-back win.

NLEX import Mike Watkins produced a towering 26-25 stat line, to the delight of coach Jong Uichico.

"His inside presence gave Blackwater some trouble. He's just a matchup problem for them like we had matchup problems also with King, he had 40 points," said Uichico.

"Except that mas malaki positive effect ng inside game ni Watkins compared to King's 40 points, in the total effect of the game," he added.