Arvin Tolentino hopes that the NorthPort Batang Pier could bank on their experience in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup for the upcoming Philippine Cup.
Arvin Tolentino held his head high as NorthPort saw its promising PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup campaign end Friday night, March 7.
Tolentino could not help but feel proud as the Batang Pier “overachieved” in a conference where they were not even expected to make the playoffs.
“Well, I guess that's a great experience for us as a team. Last game, ang ganda ng nilaro namin. We fought really hard para ma-extend ang series. Ngayong laro, medyo kinapos,” said Tolentino after NorthPort's 99-126 loss to Ginebra in Game 5 that led the Batang Pier to the exits.
“But I’m proud of my teammates. I’m proud of what the team has accomplished this conference. Parang before nga, wala namang nag-akalang magpi-playoffs kami or magna-no. 1 kami.”
The Batang Pier cruised to a 5-1 record and went on to finish the elimination round atop the standings at 9-3.
So many lessons to be learned for Arvin Tolentino and his NorthPort Batang Pier teammates. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
The top-seeded NorthPort then survived an experienced Magnolia side led by Ricardo Ratliffe and Mark Barroca in the quarters, before hitting a wall that is Ginebra in the semifinals.
[RELATED STORY: RJ Abarrientos shares LA Tenorio's pep talk to Gin Kings before Game 5]
But instead of wallowing in frustration, Tolentino is positive his team will only get better, beginning in the season-ending Philippine Cup.
“I guess we’re only going to get better from here. This is a great experience for us as a team na sana madala namin next conference,” he said.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad, One Sports Digital)