NORTHPORT claimed the scalp of fancied Ginebra last Wednesday night that should put to rest doubts whether the Batang Pier have what it takes.
“It’s a statement game for us. Everyone’s questioning about iyong status ng team, na hindi kami nananalo sa big teams. So, I hope na with this win, we proved na we’re here to win games. We’re here to be competitive. Hindi basta-basta na team lang,” NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan said. “If we can beat mga big teams, I’m sure we’ll bring this momentum and confidence playing against the top three teams.
“Mabibigat iyong mga teams na naiwan. For sure, this game is a big win, and for sure, we’ll bring this momentum na kaya naming tumalo ng mga big teams,” he added.
Tan spoke after his charges pulled off a 119-116 decision over the Kings for their second straight win and bolstered their hold on the top spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The thrilling triumph was also NorthPort’s first win over Ginebra in five years and served as a fitting follow up to a 120-113 victory over foreign guest team Eastern last Dec. 20 and rose to 7-1.
The Kings came off a 93-81 whipping of the defending champions San Miguel Beermen last Sunday and slipped to 5-3.
Import Kadeem Jack showed the way for the Batang Pier with 32 points and 16 rebounds while Arvin Tolentino chipped in markers on six three-pointers.
Joshua Munzon also had 27 points, six assists and two steals for NorthPort.
Tan said they are taking it one game at a time.
“Before the start of the conference naman, our objective was to get to the quarterfinals. So, ngayon, we’re discussing also na to lessen the pressure, although we are on top right now, our target is best-of-three,” Tan said. “Para medyo kapag hindi natin ma-achieve iyong top position sa standings, at least, we are in the middle, sa best-of-three.
“So after best-of-three, siguro doon na natin pag-uusapan ang twice-to-beat.”
For Munzon, NorthPort’s chemistry and poise are spelling the big difference in the mid-season tilt.
“That was big. I think it just showed a level of maturity that we’ve kind of grown over these eight games, being able to close out games when it’s tight and sticking together, getting stops when we need them, and playing in the crunch time like that,” he said.
“But when the game kept going back and forth like that, it’s pretty fun to be out there. That’s what we love to do, play basketball at the end of the day.”
