Despite Kevin Murphy’s 39-point night, Chan and his NorthPort teammates proved they’re not a one-man show.
After a dismal start to their 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup campaign, the NorthPort Batang Pier find themselves still in contention for a quarterfinals appearance after beating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 113-97, on Saturday. Import Kevin Murphy drained a franchise record 10 threes to lead the way, while Paul Zamar scored a career-high 20 points for the victors.
The explosive import and Zamar were obviously the biggest heroes in NorthPort’s conclusive triumph. But coach Bonnie Tan made sure to also acknowledge his star veterans, Jeff Chan and Arwind Santos, for their performances in the crucial encounter.
Apparently, the two seasoned players sensed their squad needed a boost, and so they rose to the occasion.
“[They] were supposed to be replaced sa early part ng fourth. But ‘pag su-sub na namin, medyo nakaka-shoot. So, I’m happy for both veterans sa team,” Tan said after the game.
The NorthPort tactician was especially elated with Chan's effort on the defensive end and in the rebounding department.
“Si Jeff [Chan], our captain ball, showed ‘yung leadership, sacrificing his offensive threat to help through ‘yung sa defense, pati sa rebounding tumutulong siya,” the rookie PBA coach explained.
“‘Yun ang kulang ng team, ‘yung rebounding department. So, at least na-capitalize namin ‘yung rebounding side niya,” Tan added.
Chan finished with 11 points and a surprising 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Santos contributed 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench as the Batang Pier eliminated the Elasto Painters. Those numbers may not be eye-popping stats, but the contributions of the former FEU Tamaraws certainly helped NorthPort's cause.
To seal their slot in the playoffs, NorthPort will now aim to win its remaining game against the TNT Tropang, and hope that the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters lose to the Meralco Bolts.