Arvin Tolentino was on target en route to a historic production for NorthPort on Thursday, Aug. 29.
NorthPort star Arvin Tolentino was almost at a loss for words after dropping a career-high 51 points in the Batang Pier's 135-109 romp of Converge in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Thursday, Aug. 29.
When told it was the most points scored by any local in 20 years or since prime Asi Taulava also produced 51 points for Talk 'N Text against Purefoods, Tolentino was incredulous.
“I’m actually speechless,” Tolentino told reporters.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Arvin Tolentino drops career-high 51 points as NorthPort scores back-to-back wins after routing Converge in Governors' Cup]
Tolentino also bettered Stanley Pringle's 50 points for the franchise in a match against Columbian on June 22, 2018.
But the 6-foot-5 winger insisted he did nothing special prior to the game, adding Lady Luck simply smiled on him at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“I was hot pag-start noong game. And I felt na maganda 'yung itinatakbo ng team especially in transition and defense. Siguro [nasuwertehan] lang na dumadating sa'kin ang bola and na-shu-shoot ko,” Tolentino said.
By now, Tolentino, a member of the Mythical First Team in Season 48, has proven scoring is his cup of tea.
But while offense is a given, the former FEU star said he still aspires to become the best as well on the other end of the floor.
“I think, overall, I need to also improve my [decision-making], especially right now, medyo marked man na rin ako. I also have to adjust kung ano mang defense ang ibinibigay sa'kin ng mga teams. One thing also, 'yung making my teammates involved. And, of course, my defense. If I can score, I have to stop also. I’ve been working on that ever since," said Tolentino.
“Gusto ko 'yung All-Defensive Team. I want to be the best on that department naman,” he added with a hearty laugh.
NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan agreed.
It is hoped that Tolentino would follow his defensive-minded teammates like Joshua Munzon and Jio Jalalon.
“Kailangang mahawa si Arvin,” Tan said.
In the end, Tolentino deflected credit to his teammates for the win that moved NorthPort to a joint leadership in Group A together with Meralco and TNT.
“Total team effort for us. I scored 51, but I give credit also to my teammates who gave their best today. They deserve it also,” he said.