NORTHPORT tries to keep its winning streak going against a Blackwater squad struggling to post a victory when they clash today in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the nightcap, early quarterfinalist Magnolia and Meralco collide, with each aiming to move one step closer to their common goal of securing a top four finish at the end of the 11-game eliminations and getting rewarded with a win-once advantage in the next round.
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, eight wins are enough for an outright top four slot, based on the last three editions of the same tournament, and the Hotshots and Bolts have clear shots at that target.
Far more humble are the goals of the protagonists in the opener.
After a 0-5 start, NorthPort is gunning for its fourth straight win that would keep it in the hunt for one of the eight quarterfinals slots.
Blackwater has yet to win in eight tries, with its 100-109 loss to Ginebra last Friday officially taking it out of the playoff race for the fourth straight conference.
Worse, the Bossing’s latest loss stretched their league-worst exercise in futility to 27 straight games since last year.
NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio said the fact that Blackwater is now just looking to end its winless streak makes the latter even more dangerous.
“Ganyang kalaban ang pinaka-delikado, ‘yung nothing to lose?” quipped Jarencio. “Lahat naman ng kalaban ni-re-respeto namin, pero higit na hindi dapat i-underestimate iyang Blackwater na kumbaga may built-in motivation.”
There is some good news for the Batang Pier as Robert Bolick is back after missing a 101-93 win over Phoenix Super LPG last Saturday due to his Gilas Pilipinas commitment. Ditto for Kevin Ferrer, who sat out two games due to an injury.
