BUOYED by a breakthrough win the last time out, NorthPort wants to continue its rise in the pre-season.
Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan might have just found the winning formula.
“Dati siyang No. 1 pick (in 2020) kaya siya talaga ang player na pinaka-inaasahan ko,” Tan said of high-flying wingman Joshua Munzon, who did not perform well in an off-the-bench role in their first two games, averaging just 2.5 points and even going scoreless despite making tries in a 75-87 loss to San Miguel Beer last May 27.
Against TNT, Munzon started for the first time and promptly delivered a team-high 16 points, three steals, two rebounds and as many assists as NorthPort repulsed the Tropang Giga 99-90 seven days ago.
The Batang Pier seek a second straight victory when they take on the Blackwater Bossing today in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The game time is set at 5 p.m., with Blackwater also on a high after scoring a 100-94 triumph over Terrafirma last May 31 that raised its mark to 2-1.
Phoenix (2-1) faces winless NLEX (0-3) in the nightcap at 7:30. Aside from Munzon, NorthPort will bank on the likes of Paul Zamar, MJ Ayaay, JM Calma as well as veteran Arwind Santos.
Jeff Chan would be rested, and top rookie prospect Fran Yu is also out due to his wife recently giving birth to their first child for the Batang Pier.
The Bossing will lean on Troy Rosario, Rashawn McCarthy, Baser Amer, RK Ilagan and Mike Ayonayon.
