Nothing has really gone NorthPort’s way but the Batang Pier will want to come out swinging in their remaining games in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, starting with the game vs. Phoenix.
With pride on the line and little left in the standings to fight for, the NorthPort Batang Pier aim to halt a seven-game losing skid when they take on the equally-struggling Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Wednesday, June 4.
Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
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Now 1-7, NorthPort’s conference has unraveled quickly following the departure of top scorer Arvin Tolentino to the Korean Basketball League and the trade of forward William Navarro.
Their absence were deeply felt in their latest outing—a 70-94 beating against a red-hot TNT squad. Joshua Munzon dropped 20 points in a gallant effort, but the Batang Pier lacked the firepower to stay competitive.
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This matchup against Phoenix (2-7) presents a chance for NorthPort to finally regain its footing and earn a morale-boosting win. With both teams out of playoff contention, NorthPort hopes to lean on Munzon and the scrappy guard corps to salvage something from a forgettable campaign.
The Batang Pier will need better execution on both ends to avoid another letdown, especially against a Phoenix side also desperate to end a four-game slide. For NorthPort, this is less about standings and more about proving they can still compete—even with the deck stacked against them.
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(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.]