Is NorthPort for real?

Bolts motivated to trump Batang Pier

MANILA, Philippines — In outclassing Barangay Ginebra in a down-to-the-wire contest last week, pacesetting NorthPort delivered a strong message to the rest of the field.

“It’s a statement game for us,” said coach Bonnie Tan of the Batang Pier’s 119-116 upset of the Gin Kings that not only snapped their 14-game, five-year losing spell to the crowd darlings but also cemented their hold of No. 1 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at 7-1.

“There are people questioning the team, na hindi kami nanalo sa mga big teams so I hope with this win, we proved we’re here to win games and we’re here to be competitive. Hindi kami ‘yung basta-basta na team.”

Before Ginebra, the Batang Pier previously placed guest team Hong Kong Eastern, 120-113, and Governors’ Cup titlist TNT Tropang Giga, among others, in its list of victims.

And NorthPort’s message was heard loud and clear by the next heavyweight standing on the way – reigning Philippine Cup kingpin Meralco Bolts (5-3).

“NorthPort is playing well,” said Bolts mentor Luigi Trillo ahead of their slambang tussle at 5 p.m. today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“They’ve found the rhythm. Their import (Kadeem Jack) seems like he’s a good fit and he brings a lot to the table. If you look at it, they’re pretty solid all around. Three point guards (Evan) Nelle, (Jio) Jalalon and Fran Yu then you’ve got obviously a go-to guy as a scorer (Arvin Tolentino). Maganda ang nilalaro nila.”

The big task is for Meralco reinforcement Akil Mitchell and local aces led by Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Bong Quinto and Brandon Bates to be at their best especially on defense.

“They’re (Batang Pier) winning games so we’re going to come in with a chip on our shoulder, ready to knock off the top team,” said Mitchell.

“You want to talk about a big win that would be huge for us and that would be really, really big for us. So the guys will all be motivated against a team that’s winning right now. We’re going to put our best foot forward and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, second-running Rain or Shine (5-2) and Converge (6-3) eye a quick bounceback in their 7:30 p.m. encounter.

The Elasto Painters saw their five-game roll halted by Phoenix, 91-93, while the FiberXers had their four-match run stopped by TNT, 96-98, last Saturday.

Notes: Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo isn’t rushing to get his old playing time and form back coming off a nine-month layoff due to calf injury. “Maybe it might take some time, but honestly I feel great out there,” said Malonzo, who marked his first appearance since April 2024 with eight points, including a two-handed dunk, in over 10 minutes of action in the Gin Kings’ 86-63 rout of Blackwater Sunday in Antipolo. “I probably could have played more. They have me on ‘minute restrictions’ (for now). But yeah, I’m going to be working on getting back to regular minutes. I feel great.”