Much to their chagrin, the North Port Batang Pier defied the odds on the way to a second-place finish in the elims only to find themselves pitted against the five-time Philippine Cup champs San Miguel Beermen in the quarterfinals.
And so they're the playoff second seeds feeling like they're the last seeds.
Despite the twice-to-beat advantage, the Batang Pier are convinced they have to work their butts out to get past the Beermen and make the PBA Commissioner's Cup Final Four.
Coach Pido Jarencio and his troops take their first of two shots at the semis as they set out against the Beermen in their 6:45 p.m. tussle Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rubber match, if necessary, will be on Wednesday.
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"Walang duda dehado kami," said Jarencio, ruing being paired with Beermen while there were six other teams that made it to the post-elims play. "Isipin mo kami pa ang natapat sa kanila."
It's not hard to understand Jarencio's disappointment.
Though barely making the playoffs as the seventh seeds, the Beermen have regained some rhythm, and are looking very dangerous with import Chris McCullough.
And bucking tough playoff challenges is something that is not new to the Beermen.
"Hindi pa huli ang lahat. Buhay pa ang team, kailangan lang manalo ng dalawang sunod para makausad sa semis," said San Miguel ace behemoth June Mar Fajardo.
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The rest of the SMB team exude confidence they can overcome the challenge and keep their hopes to reclaim the crown they lost to the Barangay Ginebra Kings last season.
For the Batang Pier, a source of hope was their big rout of the Beermen in the elims.
NorthPort beat San Miguel, 121-88, to start the Batang Pier's string of six of seven victories to cap off the elimination round.
Of course, that doesn't count now.
"Kailangan super perfect game para talunin namin ang San Miguel," said Jarencio. (SB)
