Aiming for Redemption After a Costly Defeat
After suffering a tough 96-113 defeat to Rain or Shine, NorthPort Batang Pier is looking to get back on track as it faces Blackwater Bossing this Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup. The team, currently at 1-1, is banking on the return of ace forward Arvin Tolentino, who missed their previous outing due to a sore hip.
Head coach Bonnie Tan expressed optimism with Tolentino’s recovery, noting that the forward has resumed full practice and should be ready for game action. Tolentino had an impressive performance in NorthPort’s opening win against Terrafirma, posting 19 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Lessons from a Painful Loss
More than Tolentino’s return, Coach Tan emphasized the importance of his team’s mindset and response following their lackluster showing against Rain or Shine. NorthPort came into that matchup with a perceived advantage—Rain or Shine was missing key big men Keith Datu (calf injury) and Beau Belga (vertigo). However, the Batang Pier faltered, getting outplayed in almost every physical aspect of the game.
They were outrebounded 66-54, allowed 14 more points in the paint, and gave up a staggering 27-6 margin in second-chance points—a clear sign of defensive lapses and a lack of energy inside the paint.
A Call for the Big Men to Step Up
Coach Tan didn’t mince words in addressing his team’s shortcomings, especially pointing fingers at his frontcourt rotation. He challenged his big men to take advantage of the opportunity to prove themselves in an import-less conference, urging them to rise to the occasion and fulfill their roles effectively.
“Sabi ko nga, before limited minutes kayo sa mga conferences na may import. But now kailangang mas mag-rise kayo sa challenge,” Tan stated, pushing his players to make the most of their minutes and show they belong in the PBA.
The Defense Factor
For NorthPort to succeed, defense remains the top priority—particularly in limiting Blackwater’s key scorers. The Bossing are still winless at 0-2, but remain dangerous with scorers like Sedrick Barefield and Christian David, who will be looking to bounce back after poor outings.
David, who erupted for 31 points in Blackwater’s opening loss to Magnolia, went scoreless in his second game, missing all seven of his field goal attempts. Barefield, too, dropped from 24 points to just five in the loss to Converge, where he shot just 1-of-10 from the field.
NorthPort must clamp down defensively and prevent another collapse, especially with both teams desperate to prove their worth early in the conference.
A New Chapter for Tratter and Kwekuteye
Adding intrigue to Friday’s matchup is the debut of Abu Tratter and James Kwekuteye with their new teams following a one-for-one trade earlier in the week. Tratter, a former Blackwater big man, now suits up for NorthPort, while Kwekuteye, previously a reserve guard for the Batang Pier, joins Blackwater.
All eyes will be on how both players adjust and contribute in their fresh environments, potentially giving their new squads a much-needed spark.
With the return of Tolentino and a renewed sense of urgency, NorthPort has the pieces to bounce back from its recent misstep. However, the team’s success hinges on whether its supporting cast can step up, execute their roles, and bring the intensity required to compete in the physical, import-less Philippine Cup format. For Blackwater, the search for a breakthrough win continues—but with capable scorers and a fresh roster shake-up, an upset isn’t off the table.
Friday’s clash may not be a marquee matchup on paper, but it promises a compelling storyline of redemption, adjustment, and opportunity for both sides.