On Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Magnolia maintained its unblemished record by defeating San Miguel, 94-65, in Calvin Abueva’s maiden PBA on Tour appearance.

James Laput continued his solid performance with a ‘On Tour’ high of 21 points and 11 rebounds to help the Hotshots climb to 8-0.

In his debut preseason game, Abueva not only led the squad with 16 rebounds but also contributed nine points to Magnolia’s easy victory.

San Miguel now stands at 3-7.

After defeating the Beermen 28-9 in the fourth quarter, the Chicken Timplados Hotshots converted the game into a rout.

Despite Paul Lee and Mark Barroca playing only a few minutes each, Magnolia still won.

San Miguel’s Jericho Cruz finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Rodney Brondial added 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Scores

Magnolia Chicken Timplados 94 – Laput 21, Ahanmisi 13, Tratter 11, Jalalon 11, Abueva 9, Eriobu 9, Mendoza 7, Corpuz 5, Dela Rosa 4, Murell 3, Barroca 1, Lee 0.

San Miguel 65 – Cruz 15, Brondial 12, Bulanadi 10, Faundo 9, Dela Cruz 8, Baclao 5, Lee 2, Apacible 2, Lazarte 0.

Quarter scores: 24-14; 48-35; 66-56; 94-65.

Meanwhile, Arvin Tolentino is still working toward becoming the Northport Batang Pier’s new face.

However, Coach Bonnie Tan said he was making progress.

After the Batang Pier defeated the valiant Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday by a score of 104-100, Tan stated that Arvin is a prospective player who can take Robert Bolick’s place.

Bolick claimed to be Northport’s top player, but he recently decided to move to the Japan B.League, leaving the squad without a go-to player, particularly in the closing stages of a game.

The NorthPort coach believes that Tolentino, 27, has to work on one facet of his game.

The 6-foot-5 forward needs to provide points consistently, according to Tan, who added that they are still striving for consistency from him.

Tolentino played a consistent game for the Batang Pier against the Dyip, and he came to their aid when they most needed it.

He scored the final seven points for Northport, including a crucial three-pointer with 1:35 left to put the Batang Pier in control 100-99.

The backbone of Gilas Pilipinas recorded a game-high 28 points, nine rebounds, and two assists while shooting 50% (10-of-20) from the field.

Northport’s preseason record of 4-4 was even.