FOR a youth-laden team still in the process of trying to fully figure itself out, NorthPort has already made heads turn by getting off to a fine start in the PBA Philippine Cup.
That much-needed chemistry and more would be needed if they hope to hurdle another tough foe in a Meralco squad aiming to get back on track Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts are eyeing to bounce back from a sorry 96-99 loss to sister team NLEX last Wednesday, dropping them to a 1-2 slate following an initial loss to Blackwater and an overtime win over Rain or Shine.
Meralco's current mindset is best expressed by center Raymond Almazan. "Kailangan namin mag-bounce back kasi mahirap ang 1-2 start, especially dito sa all-Filipino," he said after the NLEX game.
"Tapos may mga natitira pa kaming San Miguel, Ginebra," added Almazan. "Kaya kailangan namin i-grind 'yan kasi that's not an easy task."
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Gametime is 3 p.m.
NorthPort should be a tough enough opponent, notwithstanding Meralco being led by other veterans in Allein Maliksi, Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Bong Quinto, and Chris Banchero.
After opening up the tourney with an OT loss to NLEX, the Batang Pier have racked up wins over Converge and recent Commissioner's Cup semifinalist Phoenix Super LPG, the last via a 124-120 count just two days ago.
Making its latest win more impressive was the fact it was fashioned despite the absence of William Navarro, who was rested due to a bout with flu, and top gunner being held by foul trouble to 15 points below his league-leading 30.0 ppg norm.
Making up for the lack of Navarro's averages of 14 points and 12 rebounds and Tolentino's sub-par performance were six other Batang Pier turning in double-digit performances, led by Cade Flores' career-high 21 points and 12 rebounds.
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Not bad at all for a team that has nine new players, including five rookies, but has generally eased into what Tan wants.
"We have the luxury of having players who can score, who can deliver, and who can finish," said Tan. "I'm just happy na we're getting... na ma-capitalize namin 'yung distribution ng scoring points.
"Hopefully, makapag-step up din pa 'yung iba, other players, na medyo hindi pa nakakapag-perform na p'wedeng alam natin na can deliver, lalo na sa scoring department." (NC)
