The NorthPort Batang Pier seeks win No. 2 in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
After a humbling loss to Rain or Shine, the NorthPort Batang Pier look to get back on track when they face the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Friday, April 25.
The match starts at 5 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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NorthPort, now at 1-1, will enter the Friday's opener with a roster shakeup, as they are expected to field newly acquired guard James Kwekuteye.
The former San Beda standout was picked up in a recent deal that saw Abu Tratter shipped to Blackwater — a move that adds youthful energy and perimeter shooting to the Batang Pier’s rotation.
The squad will hope Kwekuteye’s arrival injects new life after absorbing a 96-113 loss to the Elasto Painters, a game where NorthPort struggled to contain Rain or Shine’s offensive pace. Arvin Tolentino sat out the match because of a hip flexor injury.
With Tolentino, Joshua Munzon, and Will Navarro continuing to serve as key pieces, NorthPort is banking on better chemistry and sharper execution to avoid falling below .500.
Meanwhile, Blackwater is still in search of its first win at 0-2, and Friday’s clash presents an early litmus test for both squads looking to find rhythm in the all-Filipino conference. But with new blood in the mix, NorthPort is aiming to turn the page quickly — and start building momentum.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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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.]