NorthPort targets outright Last 8 spot

MANILA, Philippines —  Even with a campaign marked by alternating streaks of two wins, two losses, three wins and two losses, NorthPort (5-4) is within range of its primary target – the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

So the best thing to do for coach Bonnie Tan and his youthful crew is to make the most of this opportunity and ensure their hassle-free Last-8 entry with the playoffs race about to get hotter than ever after the New Year’s Day festivities.

The Batang Pier can attain that with victory No. 6 in today’s resumption of play against also-ran Blackwater (1-8) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Take care of business in the 4 p.m. gig and the Batang Pier can get rid of a possible complication in the bare knuckle fight for the three remaining quarters berths involving them, TNT (4-5), Rain or Shine (4-5), NLEX (3-7) and even Terrafirma (2-7).

Tan needs to draw the best from import Venky Jois, ace gunner Arvin Tolentino, former top pick Joshua Munzon and promising freshmen Fran Yu, Cade Flores and Brent Paraiso to get it done right away and avoid a “take-two” in a harsher, high-pressure environment against twice-to-beat-hunting Barangay Ginebra (6-3) on Sunday.

But in the Bossing they expect to find a tough customer. Though out of the running with still two games left, Jeff Cariaso’s team is bent on going out swinging and getting something to build on for the next conference.