Batang Pier target new record streak

MANILA, Philippines — NorthPort has never had it so good. The Batang Pier are off to a roaring opening, outplaying all five opponents so far, including heavyweights Magnolia and TNT, for pole position in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

By going 5-0, Bonnie Tan’s charges have already stretched the team’s best start in franchise history while also equaling the longest win streak of the 12-year-old ballclub.

The challenge now is staying on this path.

Today, the Batang Pier stake their spotless mark and shoot for a new longest winning run spanning six games when they face winless and hungry Phoenix (0-4) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Tan said the team isn’t really focused on making records but on the one that lies ahead.

“Of course, it’s a good start and a good run for us. Pero during practices, we just discuss ‘yung one game at a time lang kami,” said Tan ahead of the 7:30 p.m. duel with the Fuel Masters.

“Before our last game against Converge, sinasabi namin sa practice if we beat this team, there's a good chance we also can win our second game this week against Phoenix. Last week, that's how we also set our mindset. If we beat Magnolia, we can beat a big team like TNT. Naging positive naman ang result sa ganitong challenge. Hopefully, we can finish this week with a big win in our next game against Phoenix," he added.

Meanwhile, NLEX (3-2) and Converge (2-2) carry identical pull-around objectives when they clash at 5 p.m.

The FiberXers yielded to NorthPort on top pick Justine Baltazar’s PBA debut, 101-108; while the Road Warriors fell to Barangay Ginebra, 100-109, making both strongly determined to get back on track immediately.