NORTHPORT hopes to finally change its fortunes with the return of former MVP Arwind Santos to the line-up when it takes on Terrafirma in the PBA Governors Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

After dropping their first six games, the Batang Pier are expected to come out smoking against the Dyip with Santos making his conference debut and Robert Bolick and replacement import Kevin Murphy getting their groove back in only their third game for the team.

NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan is keeping his fingers crossed.

“Matibay pa rin naman ang camaraderie ng team Lagi kaming nag-uusap. As a team humahanap kami ng paraan para mag-improve,” said Tan, the former team manager who steered Letran to a third straight NCAA seniors championship last December and switched places with erstwhile head coach Pido Jarencio barely a week before the conference started.

Tan said Santos, who underwent a knee procedure that kept him on the sidelines the past four months, is expected to add experience to the team.

NorthPort’s opponent, Terrafirma, is also struggling with a 2-5 record.

The Jordan Williams-led Dyip have lost their last three assignments, including a 100-125 setback to Phoenix Super LPG last Saturday.

In the 5:45 p.m. second game, Magnolia guns for its fourth straight win and sixth place in the leaderboard when it tangles with dangerous Rain or Shine.

Led by import Antonio Hester, the Hotshots overcame a 0-3 start by winning their last three games.

Rain or Shine also dropped its first four assignments before coming back strong to win the next two games, including the last one even with an all-Filipino lineup.

With new import Greg Smith a finally getting clearance from his former club in the Dominican Republic, the E-Painters are expected to hold their on against the Hotshots.

“It’s going to be a physical game. We need to grind it out on both ends of the floor,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero

“We’re playing well and pareho kaming naghahabol sa standings so we have to prepare hard for this game.”