The Northport Barang Pier and their star scorer, Arvin Tolentino, look to regain their form as they take on the winless Terrafirma Dyip. The former won the previous matchup, 112-93.

Catch the game this Sunday, September 8, at 5:00 PM.

Northport Batang Pier (2-3)

Starting five:

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

Northport was defeated by the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots this past Wednesday to the tune of 105-94, halting the two-game winning streak they built prior. Import Venky Jois was absent and it is unsure if he’ll return for Sunday. 

Leading scorer Arvin Tolentino struggled and only shot 5-of-14 for 11 points and five turnovers, granted he grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out six assists, and collected two steals and two blocks. Look for him to have a bounce back performance.

In any case, Cade Flores was the focal point as he notched 23 points, 10 boards, and three blocks – he gained some momentum there so he’s someone to look out for in this matchup.

Though lukewarm in the conference thus far, the probable presence of Jois will be huge. He filled the statsheet in their win over Terrafirma last August 23rd, going for 16 points, 15 rebounds, and four dimes. Will Navarro is vital as well as he led all scorers in the said matchup with 31 points on 13-of-20 shooting.

Northport is scoring 107.4 points per game with a +3.4 point differential across five games in the Governor’s Cup.

Terrafirma Dyip (0-5)

• Stanley Pringle
• Paolo Hernandez
• Kenmark Carino
• Antonio Hester
• Christian Standhardinger

Terrafirma continues to be a mess. The guys will be coming off a 107-89 loss to the TNT Tropang Giga for their fifth-straight defeat of the conference. They are losing by an average of 21.2 points – that’s what will happen if you, the least-loaded team in the league, trade your best player (Stephen Holt) away, even if he just led you to a rare playoff appearance.

Nevertheless, as mentioned above, one of Dyip’s losses was against Northport. Juami Tiongson (19), Stanley Pringle (17), Kevin Ferrer (13), Christian Standhardinger (13), and import Antonio Hester (10) were their top scorers that day, and it should remain similar Sunday. Resident scorer Tiongson is out, however, with a hamstring tear. Rookie Paolo Hernandez will continue to have more opportunities as a result.

Hester had 23 points and 18 boards vs. TNT on Wednesday so he’s in rhythm to have a much better outing in the NOR rematch, likewise with Hardinger (18 pts, 14 rebs) and Pringle (12 pts, 14 rebs), who each posted double-doubles in the said game.

PICKS:

Spread: Northport (-10.5)

Over/Under: Under (214.5)