The NorthPort Batang Pier were the first team to book a semis seat in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after rallying past the veteran Magnolia Hotshots for a tight 113-110 victory.
It turns out, that’s exactly what the Batang Pier wanted to accomplish: win once and wait for whatever comes next. The young squad was so hellbent on getting the job done in only one game that its leaders—Arvin Tolentino, in particular—called for a players only meeting two days prior to NorthPort’s quarters clash versus Magnolio.
“‘Yung mga leaders namin nag-take charge, especially Arvin [Tolentino]… Two days ago before this game, talagang may players’ meeting sila na gusto talaga nila kuhain on this day lang, ‘wag na namin paabutin sa Saturday,” assistant coach Rensy Bajar told reporters after NorthPort got the job done.
Asked what transpired in said meeting, fast-emerging wing William Navarro said the team just discussed the “things we can do in order to win.” They also resolved to play hard and “give it our all” since this was already the playoffs, after all.
Batang Pier Are Underdogs, Says William Navarro
While the Batang Pier accomplished what they set out to do, Navarro guaranteed the team is far from satisfied—especially with fans seemingly dismissing NorthPort as a legit championship contender.
“I’m happy for the franchise, pero we still have more games. It’s okay to be happy today, but the season’s not over,” he said. “We have a chip on our shoulder na people don’t even talk about NorthPort even when we’re no. 1.”
Indeed, many seem to have been overlooking the Batang Pier in the leadup to the quarters. In fact, quite a few fans were even suggesting a Manila Clasico semis, which would have meant NorthPort losing twice to Magnolia.
The Batang Pier shut that down fairly quickly, even if they had some shaky moments. It turns out, Navarro sees the pundits and nonbelievers.
“I mean, underdog kami no matter what happens,” Navarro admitted. “So, we’re not satisfied here. We want more.”
