NORTHPORT is aching to prove its top seed finish in the eliminations is no fluke. More importantly, the Batang Pier are out to realize a maiden finals stint in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“This team is ready to win and ready to play despite sa lahat ng challenge na ibinibigay sa amin,” NorthPort assistant coach Rensy Bajar said.
“We’ll move forward. Kung sino man iyong makakaharap namin sa semifinals, we’re ready for whatever challenges na maibibigay sa amin,” he added.
Bajar spoke after the No. 1 Batang Pier made short work of the eighth-ranked Magnolia Hotshots with a nail-biting 113-100 escape in their quarterfinals clash nearly two weeks ago.
The win allowed the charges of coach Bonnie Tan to advance to the semifinals of the mid-season tilt for the first time since 2019.
NorthPort will take on Ginebra in the Last Four in a best-of-7 showdown.
TNT will meet Rain or Shine in the other race-to-4 series.
The pro league is on a 16-day break to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ drive in the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, with the semis set to get going on Feb. 26, Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The respite should boost the Batang Pier, according to Bajar.
“Siguro, this win is a blessing for us kasi right now, we’re just short-handed talaga. During our practice, na-injure pa si Damie (Cuntapay). Plus si Sidney (Onwubere) iyong last game namin against Blackwater so luckily, we won this game,” Bajar said. “Then iyon nga, hopefully, makakabalik sila ng maayos going to the semifinals.”
With a NorthPort local crew bolstered by the likes of Best Player of the Conference pacesetter Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon, and William Navarro, Kings coach Tim Cone said Batang Pier import Kadeem Jack could be the missing piece in the puzzle.
“That’s a real team. They’re solid up and down the line-up,” Cone said. “Their import Jack fills out a lot of what they need in terms of rebounding, rim protection and the ability to score inside.”
