NorthPort aims to formalize QF entry

Games today:

(Philsports Arena)

5 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs NorthPort

7:30 p.m. — Phoenix vs Magnolia

Denied the last time, league-leading NorthPort gets another crack at formally advancing to the quarterfinals when it faces a suddenly slumping Rain or Shine in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Still on top of the standings despite absorbing their second loss, the Batang Pier eye a huge bounce back and a chance to make it to the next round that will boost their chances of landing on the top four when they march to battle at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, Phoenix and Magnolia clash at 7:30 p.m. in an all-important match that weighs heavy on their respective quarters drive.

The confident NorthPort was sent crashing back to earth by Meralco in a 94-111 blowout last Tuesday spoiling its first attempt to advance into the playoffs after missing the cut in the previous two conferences.

The Batang Pier crumbled under the Bolts’ choking defense, which saw them score under 100 points for the first time in the tournament. It snapped the squad’s two-game romp.

With a 7-2 win-loss record, all NorthPort needs is to win one more game to enter the playoffs and boost its chances of grabbing a quarters twice-to-beat advantage.

Prized forward Arvin Tolentino believes his squad can bounce back and prove it can accomplish its mission even against a strong contender in the Elasto Painters.

“I really talk to them to make them believe that we can compete and we are a legit contender,” said Tolentino, one of the top contenders for the Best Player of the Conference.

Tolentino, who had an unusually quiet night with 19 points the last time out, has import Kadeem Jack, Joshua Munzon and Will Navarro to back him up to face the tough challenge of Rain or Shine.