NOT even a two-game slide kicking off a tough schedule and now having to contend with a streaking Rain or Shine squad are not enough to dampen NorthPort's enthusiasm.
"We can't be pressured ng mga circumstances namin," said coach Bonnie Tan prior to his Batang Pier's collision with the Elasto Painters Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
"Nandiyan na iyan so all we can do is to look forward to our remaining games and makuha lang muna immediate objective namin, which is to get to the quarterfinals," added Tan. "Okay lang sa amin, kahit tuloy-tuloy laro. Pero sana manalo para makabuwelo."
Rain or Shine is looking to stretch its winning streak to five, improve to 5-4 and move closer to being included among the top eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals following the 11-game eliminations.
With a 4-3 record of its own NorthPort remains within the magic circle but must regain its bearings following back-to-back losses to Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra.
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A slide-stopping victory is sure to serve the Batang Pier in good stead since they still have to play San Miguel Beer on Sunday and Terrafirma next Wednesday before rounding out their elims assignments against Blackwater on April 27.
But first things first for Tan. "Kailangan muna magkaroon ng confidence ulit," he said.
"Kasi nga, after back-to-back losses medyo bumaba morale ng team," added Tan. "Pero ang sabi ko nga sa mga players, we have to draw strength and energy from our three-week break before (during the All-Star Weekend and Holy Week) and then be consistent for the next three weeks.
"So far naman, nag-re-respond sila. Puno ng energy sa practice and positive pa rin ang attitude nila."
Effort is certainly needed against a Rain or Shine side that prefers a fast-paced game.
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"They're the No. 1 scoring team ngayon, replacing us so it's a big challenge for both teams kasi parehong bata, parehong tumatakbo, so I think it's going to be an exciting game," noted Tan.
Slotman JM Calma should be of big help to NorthPort, but he remains doubtful due to a leg injury he suffered in the first quarter of an 88-95 loss to Ginebra last Sunday.
"Parehong trying to make do without a legitimate big man, lalo na kami kung wala si JM. Pero tingin ko hindi naman kami masyadong dehado," offered Tan.
"Malaking kawalan kung di siya makakalaro and I hope may mag-fill in the blank, kumbaga." (NC)
