Arvin Tolentino and the rest of the NorthPort Batang Pier still have enough time to get their act together in the PBA Comm's Cup best-of-seven semis.
While NorthPort suffered a 22-point beatdown in the hands of Ginebra, 115-93, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals, there is no reason to sound the panic button just yet, according to Batang Pier star Arvin Tolentino.
This, despite Tolentino also producing subpar numbers with his eight points, six rebounds and two assists in more than 34 minutes on the floor.
There is no room for negativity for top-seeded NorthPort in the race-to-four contest.
"This is not the time to feel down. I know na talo, tambak. But we have to stay really positive," said Tolentino.
"It's a long series. It's just Game 1," he added.
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Ginebra's Gilas cagers showed no signs of rust despite their recent FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers campaign, delivering in the commanding win which also saw the other Gin Kings left back home like RJ Abarrientos and Stephen Holt showcase how prepared they were.
With that, NorthPort could just watch as Ginebra bombarded its foe with a 32-14 assault in the telling third quarter that broke the game wide open, 88-65.
The Batang Pier just could not recover and even fell further behind at 81-111 in the fourth.
"It could have been an important win for us. But, you know, that happened," said Tolentino.
While Tolentino pointed out that NorthPort's lengthy break could have made the team rusty, he did not offer it as an excuse as he recognized how well the Gin Kings played.
The Batang Pier last saw action in a 113-110 win over Magnolia in the quarterfinals last Feb. 6 before the PBA gave way for Gilas Pilipinas' stint in the third window of the Asia Cup qualifiers.
"It's an advantage kasi we were able to rest to polish our game. But, at the same time, medyo 'yung kalawang factor nandoon, eh," said Tolentino.
"But hindi ko puwedeng sabihing 'yun 'yung rason. They played a great game. 'Yun lang 'yun."
Tolentino and the rest of his teammates will aim to quickly get back on their feet in Game 2 on Friday, Feb. 28, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Match unfurls at 5 p.m.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports)