UNBEATEN so far, NorthPort’s resolve should be tested against winless Phoenix.
Whether the Batang Pier can get the job done anew will be known when they clash with the Fuel Masters today in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. after NLEX and Converge try to get back on track when they square off in the curtain-raiser at 5 o’clock.
The Bonnie Tan-mentored NorthPort side will go into the duel armed with a 108-101 victory over the FiberXers Thursday last week that hiked its mark to 5-0 in the mid-season tilt.
“I just had the confidence in myself in taking shots and told my teammates let me take them. I’m happy they went in and we got the win,” Batang Pier wingman Joshua Munzon said after their win.
But it’s not only Munzon who’s doing the damage for NorthPort, with the likes of import Kadeem Jack, Arvin Tolentino, William Navarro, Fran Yu, and Evan Nelle providing ample help.
With a 0-4 card that included a 72-94 drubbing at the hands of the Ginebra Kings last Friday, the Fuel Masters must show up with a sense of urgency.
Reinforcement Donovan Smith, Jason Perkins, Kenneth Tuffin, Tyler Tio, Kai Balunggay, and Ricci Rivero are expected to carry the fight for Phoenix.
“Kailangan makapag-pondo kami ng wins to make the playoffs. We’re not even talking about our position in the next round,” FiberXers intermin tactician Franco Atienza said. “Just make it there muna and if we want to make the playoffs, we have to take care of business in our remaining games here in the eliminations.
“Gagawin namin iyan by stages so we have to take care of tomorrow first. Then think about Thursday and then think about Saturday,” he added.
What gnaws at Atienza is the fact that saved for a 100-109 defeat to the Kings Wednesday last week that dropped them to 3-2, the Road Warriors pose a tough match-up bannered by star guard Robert Bolick and import Mike Watkins.
“Alam naman natin na they have a good import, Watkins, and then we know kung ano kakayahan ni Bolick,” Atienza said. “Tapos nagbabalik na si Kevin Alas and OKay din supporting cast… nakaka-contribute sila lahat.
“It would be a very tough test for us.”
With a 2-2 card, Atienza will pin his hopes on reinforcement Cheick Diallo, locals Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, Jordan Heading, Schonny Winston, and this season’s No. 1 pick overall Justine Baltazar who struggled with just five points, four rebounds, and three assists in his debut.
“For sure may na-gain na siya from the last game namin and we are trying our best to adjust our players with him and him with us. So far, so good,” Atienza said. “Maganda naman ang character ng bata. He knows how to handle the pressure that’s on him.
“He’s a pro so he knows his strengths and weaknesses and in no time siguradong makatulong iyan.”
