PBA

NorthPort, San Miguel in make-or-break encounter

January 23, 2025 Robert Andaya 190 views

WITH both teams eager to get back on the winning track, NorthPort Batang Pier and San Miguel Beer face off in a crucial encounter the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Gametime is 7:30 p.m. in the matchup between the Batang Pier and the Beermen, following the curtainraiser between the Blackwater Bossing and the Phoenix Fuel Masters at 5 p.m.

The Batang Pier are hoping to boost theier chances for a twice-to-beat advantage while the Beermen are looking to kwwp their playoff bid in this import-flavored conference of Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

Despite being already assured of a spot in the final eight, the Batang Pier are determined to make a strong push and deliver a solid finishing kick in the elimination round, as they aim to secure a Top Two finish and the coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

The Beermen, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from a slump and outlast Magnolia, NLEX, and Phoenix Super LPG in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in their remaining games.

The Beermen dropped three of their last four games, sliding to a precarious eighth place with a 4-5 record, just half a game ahead of Magnolia and NLEX, both at 4-6.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Super LPG clings to slim playoff hopes with a 3-7 slate.

The Batang Pier (7-3) need to snap their losing skid to stay competitive in the tight race at the top with TNT stands at 6-2, Converge at 8-3, while Eastern, Meralco, and Rain or Shine are all close behind with records of 7-3 and 6-3, respectively.

Batang Pier’s once-smooth campaign has hit a rough patch, with recent losses to the Phoenix Fuel Masters, the Meralco Bolts, and the ROS Elasto Painters.

“Kailangan makabawi kami sa susunod na mga laro,” said Tan.

The Beermen, need a win in the rest of elims against Batang Pier, FiberXers and the Tropang Giga.

Last Sunday, NLEX Road Warriors unleashed a third-quarter surge to pull away from Phoenix to secureg a crucial 108-94 victory.

Robert Bolick bounced back with an impressive 26-point, nine-assist performance to help NLEX snap a five-game losing streak and climb into a tie with Magnolia for ninth place at 4-6, just half a game behind San Miguel for the eighth spot.

Mike Watkins contributed a solid outing with 22 points, and 18 rebounds, dominating inside after Donovan Smith encountered foul trouble in the third quarter.

Smith, despite his own foul issues, paced Phoenix with 36 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

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