Even though NorthPort already secured a playoff spot, there’s no room for complacency for the Batang Pier as they hope to snatch any advantage possible heading to the PBA Commissioner's Cup knockout stage.
Already assured of a quarterfinal berth, the NorthPort Batang Pier want more.
The Batang Pier aim to fan their top 2 finish and twice-to-beat hopes, but standing in their way are the San Miguel Beermen in the critical main game of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, Tuesday, January 21.
Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center, Antipolo.
After enjoying a stellar start to the conference, NorthPort has stumbled in recent outings, dropping two consecutive games, including a disappointing 127-107 to Rain or Shine.
That paved the way for the Batang Pier to slip from the top spot all the way to the no. 5 with a 7-3 record, engaging in a tight dispute for the two playoffs bonuses with TNT (6-2), Converge (8-3), Eastern (7-3), Meralco (7-3), and Rain or Shine (6-3).
Coach Bonnie Tan’s and Co. will still rely on consistency of Kadeem Jack, Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon, and Fran Yu to stay in the race atop.
With wins for Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra, can the Batang Pier claim another giant scalp in the Beermen and score a sweep of the SMC teams?
[ALSO READ: PBA: Arvin Tolentino, NorthPort holiday sacrifice pay off in monumental win vs Ginebra]
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]