NorthPort seeks all-important win against Terrafirma

NorthPort seeks all-important win against Terrafirma

NorthPort seeks all-important win against Terrafirma
PBA

NorthPort seeks all-important win against Terrafirma

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LETTING the cards fall where they may is a mind-set that has served NorthPort well. The Batang Pier intend to use that same attitude when they square off with Terrafirma Saturday in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Three straight losses and a 2-7 record have put the Dyip out of contention for one of the eight quarterfinals berths up for grabs in the 11-game eliminations.

The same cannot be said of NorthPort, which remains in the thick of the fight following four straight victories that jacked its slate up to 4-5.

A streak-stopping loss would be a big blow for the Batang Pier since they still have to battle TNT at elims' end next Friday, but that does little to dampen coach Pido Jarencio's optimism.

Jarencio even let everybody in on the reason for his team's recent success.

"There's no sense of urgency itong team na ito," said Jarencio following his team's cruising 116-103 win over Blackwater last Wednesday.

"We're just enjoying the game, we're just playing smart, and then... breaks of the game nakukuha namin and we're just going with the flow."

Ironically, playing with such a mind-set has spurred his charges to go all-out on the court and that fact is not lost on Jarencio. "These four straight wins, it's all about hard work," he offered.

"Players are working hard for these wins. Iyon lang. Wala kaming sense of urgency regarding sa kung ano outcome. Basta kami, 'yung last games namin, one game at a time. So, 'We got this first win, let's look for that second win against Terrafirma on Saturday."

Actually, the Dyip could have kept themselves in the running if not for a sorry 107-112 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday when the former were unable to sustain their fiery charge that netted them as much as a 22-point third quarter lead.

Incidentally, that crushing defeat came just eight days after Terrafirma also blew a 19-point lead to bow to Alaska 97-102. (NC)(PBA)

(Photo credits to: PBA)