Fresh-off a 51-point explosion, Arvin Tolentino will look to lead Northport into a win against Philippine Cup champions Meralco.

Catch the game this Sunday, September 1, at 7:30 PM.

Meralco Bolts (2-1)

Starting five:

• Christopher Banchero
• Allein Maliksi
• Chris Newsome (day-to-day)
• Allen Durham
• Raymond Almazan

Meralco will come in hoping to build-off their 107-91 win over Terrafirma Dyip this past Wednesday, which they did without scoring guard Chris Newsome. It was a good, balanced performance that saw five Bolts score in double-figures. They also shot an efficient 15-of-27 from downtown.

Aside from do-it-all import Allen Durham, Chris Banchero, Bong Quinto, Allein Maliksi, and CJ Cansino will be the catalysts as per usual – these five scored 90 of the teams’ 107 points vs. TER. 

The rookie Cansino is the most intriguing, however, as he had 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, and four threes in only 17 minutes of action vs. Terrafirma. He’ll have plenty of momentum to work with, and he also has the coaching staff and his teammates’ trust.

The key for Bolts here is not to get too relaxed, something that they did against TNT last week, where they lost 93-73, especially since Northport is on a roll and feeling themselves.

Northport Batang Pier (2-1)

Starting five:

• John Calma
• Joshua Munzon
• Arvin Tolentino
• Will Navarro
• Venky Jois

Like Meralco, Northport is riding high. The Batang Pier breezed past the Converge FiberXers on Thursday, 135-109, on 53.8% shooting, including 46.4% from three (13/28 3FGs). 

Of course, the man of the hour is high-scoring, bucket-getter Arvin Tolentino, courtesy of his aforementioned 51-point mere days ago (the most by any local since 2018). He has been the team’s number one option and most reliable scorer over the past season or so, and he’ll only grow. Expect him to gun for another huge outing – although, yes, things would be much tougher this time.

Import Venky Jois hasn’t been contributing well offensively, and his best contribution is his nose for the ball, as evident in his 10 boards, two steals, and three blocks vs. Converge. It’s nice, but it’s obviously better if he can pour in some points too, especially with all that size.

Three other locals will be fun to watch out for: Will Navarro, with his 31-point output in their opener, Joshua Munzon with his playmaking and hustle (19 pts, 5 stls on THU), and newcomer Jio Jalalon, the veteran who was acquired as an added punch in the guard position (13 pts, 5 asst, 2 stls on THU).

PICKS:

Spread: Meralco (-3)

Over/Under: Over (201)