NorthPort took control from start to finish to roll to its fourth straight win against TNT in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
Arvin Tolentino attributed NorthPort's fiery form to the squad's youthfulness – they are young, and they are eager to prove something.
"We are also a young team. Maraming mga bata sa team na talagang hungry and trying to prove something sa liga. 'Yun 'yung malaking contribution kung bakit kami nagku-compete ngayon," said 28-year-old Tolentino, who has been playing in the PBA for four years.
"This team is trying to prove something and as individuals also."
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After a near four-week break, the Batang Pier showed no signs of rust as they collected their fourth straight win through a 112-96 dismantling of TNT on Friday, April 5.
NorthPort last saw action against Meralco – a match that ended with the Batang Pier winning, 90-85, on March 10.
Tolentino, who anchored NorthPort's fourth straight triumph with his 29 points, said it all started in practice.
"Sa practice the past few weeks, lahat ng players talagang nagku-compete from first group up to the last guy. 'Yun 'yung sinimulate namin: sa practice, mag-start na 'yung competition namin," said Tolentino.
Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan agreed.
“Lahat ng players, excited sa practice. I just requested the players to be consistent lang, hindi lang sa practice but also sa games,” said Tan.
"'Yung request ko, they had to stay consistent aside from sa mga practices na maganda 'yung pinapakita nila. 'Yun lang 'yung request ko and ibinigay sa akin 'yung larong gusto natin."
The Batang Pier will be tested against Commissioner's Cup finalist Magnolia next Wednesday, April 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.