NorthPort is now sitting in fifth place with a 5-2 record.
Don't look now, but the NorthPort Batang Pier are sailing away with three straight victories in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after the 115-105 upset of the San Miguel Beermen.
The Batang Pier have upset two powerhouse teams San Miguel and the TNT Tropang Giga in a streak dating from the beginning of the month.
And it's been a particularly action-packed week for NorthPort, having beaten Converge last Wednesday. They will close out the week with a match against the Meralco Bolts.
Apparently, coach Bonnie Tan issued a dare for his players regarding the schedule of games this week.
"Challenge ko sa kanila to get two out of three," he revealed during the post-game press conference.
Well, challenge accepted. Challenge completed.
The Beermen played without seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, who suffered a hand injury.
The Batang Pier didn't have workhorse import Venky Jois either, who experienced tightness in his hamstring.
But Arvin Tolentino stepped up once again with 28 points coming from seven out of 12 field goals. He also put up five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.
"I told the guys, dahil wala si Venky, 'yung best player sa team namin, everybody has to step up. Just play our game lang, walang masyadong iispin. Gawin lang 'yung game plan and be confident," he said.
Five other players were in double digits, as Joshua Munzon made 16, young Cade Flores dropped 15, Brent Paraiso and JM Calma got 11 each, while Jeff Chan added 10.
Tolentino made it a point to encourage the rookies to shoot.
"Kasi when you're a rookie, medyo nag-aalangan ka pa. Kumpyansa lang. Kung may tira kayo, tira niyo. Sinasabihan ko lang sila lagi maging confident. Do whatever you can do sa court," he added.
This is truly Tolentino's team now.
NorthPort will take on Meralco this Sunday, December 10, 3 p.m. at the Philsports Arena. It will be aired on A2Z, PBA Rush, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(CF)