FOR the first time in the Season 46 PBA Governors' Cup, the NorthPort Batang Pier are on a roll. After a woeful 0-5 start marred by import and manpower issues, NorthPort has found its groove with the efficient Jamel Artis in tow, taking down not one but two unbeaten teams - Meralco and Magnolia - in succession to revive its playoffs bid.
The giant-slaying Batang Pier seek to keep this newfound winning ways going Saturday as they target the scalp of skidding Phoenix Super LPG (4-4) in their 6:30 p.m. encounter at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
"I think yung character ng team lumalabas na," said coach Pido Jarencio, an advocate of the "puso, pride, palaban" mantra.
"Eto na ang mantra natin - talagang palaban na tayo going to the second phase (of the elims), he added.
Artis proved to be a gem since coming on board NorthPort, which actually had to play all-Filipino in the early part of the tournament following the injury to original import Cameron Forte.
After dropping 26-8-4 in their 109-98 upset of the Bolts last Feb. 17, Artis followed it up with a 42-9-8 no-relief performance in a follow-up 103-101 reversal over the league-leading Hotshots last Thursday.
"Sinabi niya sa akin before the (Magnolia) game, I'll play 48 minutes tonight, don't take me out. Sabi ko 'are you sure you can manage your strength?' Yes, til the end, sabi niya. I'll get you a win. Mayabang din pero may ipagyayabang naman," said Jarencio.
The Batang Pier are making a run for the quarterfinals with Robert Bolick loaned to Gilas Pilipinas and Arwind Santos and Kevin Ferrer dealing with injuries.
Meanwhile, the Fuel Masters aim to get back on track after losing their last two assignments against Magnolia (103-83) and San Miguel Beer (104-99).
Phoenix made a roster change after those back-to-back defeats, acquiring young forward Chris Porter from NLEX in exchange for stretch big man Justin Chua. The Fuel Masters additionally received the Road Warriors' Season 47 second-round pick and Season 48 first-round selection in the trade approved by the PBA Commissioner's Office last Thursday. (OL)(PBA)
(Photo credits to: Philippine Star)