NorthPort Batang Pier and Blackwater Bossing are set to face each other in a crucial game on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Both teams aim to deliver their best performance as they conclude their respective elimination round assignments in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Stakes for NorthPort
- Goal: Secure a second straight win to improve to a 9-3 record.
- Benefit: A top-two finish, granting them a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
- Mindset: According to coach Bonnie Tan, the team is focused on finishing strong and carrying momentum into the playoffs. Tan challenged his players to capitalize on their recent win against San Miguel Beer and aim for a higher playoff seed.
Stakes for Blackwater
- Goal: Win their final game to improve to a 4-8 record.
- Scenario: A win could tie them with other teams for the last quarterfinal slot, but their fate also depends on the results of other teams like San Miguel Beer, NLEX, and Magnolia.
- Attitude: Despite the uncertainty, coach Jeffrey Cariaso emphasized the importance of giving their best effort and potentially ending the conference on a positive note, regardless of playoff chances.
Key Challenges
- Blackwater’s import George King is expected to return after missing their previous game due to an ankle injury.
- Both teams are focused on maintaining intensity throughout the game, starting strong, and sustaining it for all 48 minutes.
Coaches’ Statements
- Bonnie Tan (NorthPort): Encouraged players to aim for consecutive wins to secure an advantage, emphasizing the importance of a winning mindset for the playoffs.
- Jeffrey Cariaso (Blackwater): Stressed the need to play hard and maximize their opportunities, regardless of the playoff implications.
The match is pivotal for both teams, with NorthPort vying for a top-tier finish and Blackwater battling to stay in playoff contention. Both squads aim to bring their best performance to the court.
1st Q2ND Q3RD Q4TH Q
25:59
26:57
24:04
23:26