Dismal bubble performance fueled NorthPort in breakout game vs Phoenix, says Jarencio

NorthPort headed into the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup with its 1-10 win-loss record last year serving as the team's jet fuel.

According to Batang Pier head coach Pido Jarencio, their ugly finish in the 2020 Philippine Cup was enough to motivate the players, as well as the coaches, to do better in the new season.

"Our mindset going into the next season is our ugly record in the bubble," Jarencio said following their impressive 115-79 victory over the Phoenix Super LPG

"When the new guys came in, I told them that with this composition, we can really be a competitive team. And we really got disappointed with our first game [against Meralco]," he added.

Jarencio lauded the breakout performances from his new recruits Troy Rike, Jamie Malonzo, Sidney Onwubere as well as the returning Robert Bolick and gunner Kevin Ferrer.

The five cagers combined for 90 points as the Batang Pier improved to 1-1 and recovered from a lopsided loss to Meralco in the opening day last July 16.

Jarencio said that part of their learnings from their 2020 campaign was to brush up on the defense, which he said will give way to their offense.

"I talked to them and told them that we should focus on our defense more. We set our rules on defense and I told them that once we fixed it, our offense would just come naturally. For me, this will be our game now, more on defense," he said.

The outspoken mentor hopes their defense will once again show up when they face Alaska Aces on July 24, Saturday, as they aim for their second win in a row.

"The potential [of the team] needs to have results so we invested in defense and when it comes with offense, everything will  just fall into its place," he said.

—MGP, GMA News