NorthPort guns for its second straight win and gain ground in the standings when it battles Terrafirma Saturday, Sept. 11 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Batang Pier battle the Dyip in the 2 p.m. opener hoping to build on their 98-73 rout of the Blackwater Bossing two days ago, the team’s first match since the conference resumed after a month-long break.
Carrying a 2-3 record, NorthPort can move past defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, which holds a 3-4 slate, for seventh in the standings.
Team manager Bonnie Tan could once again call the shots for the Batang Pier unless coach Pido Jarencio and his staff can be cleared from the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
Tan said Jarencio and company will return in the immediate future, but gave no definite timetable.
Robert Bolick, Greg Slaughter, Kevin Ferrer and Sean Anthony are expected to once again carry NorthPort in both production and leadership against a Terrafirma side out to get back to its winning ways.
Terrafirma saw its three-game winning streak snapped after a 96-84 loss to Phoenix Super LPH also last Sept. 9.
The Dyip are hoping to guard Juami Tiongson can bounce back from his struggles against the Fuel Masters.
Tied with Terrafirma for ninth at 3-5, Phoenix seeks a second straight win for the first time this conference against Blackwater at 4:35 p.m.
Phoenix hopes to have Jason Perkins, Vic Manuel and Matthew Wright provide the bulk of production in its bid to deal winless Blackwater its ninth loss of the eliminations.