NORTHPORT gave the best response to insinuations made by a former two-time PBA MVP regarding the status of the franchise in the league.
The Batang Pier demolished Converge FiberXers, 135-109, in Thursday night’s Governors’ Cup game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium behind the franchise-record of 51 points by main man Arvin Tolentino.
Four other players finished in double figures in a game where the Batang Piero led by as many as 96-67 just two days after Converge deputy coach Danny Ildefonso was fined for 'farm team' comments on social media against Northport.
READ Danny Ildefonso fined P20K by PBA for 'farm team' comments
Coach Bonnie Tan disclosed the entire Northport team was challenged by the allusions Ildefonso made in response to call by fans to have his son Dave banned from the league for refusing to sign the contract offer by the Batang Pier after selecting him No. 5 overall in the last rookie draft.
“Na-challenge yung team, not only the players but yung buong team namin,” said Tan during the post-game presser.
The Northport coach added the issue was actually briefly mentioned just before the game.
“Prior to the game, we opened up about the topic on that write-up. And I think we were all challenged by that statement,” added Tan.
Ildefonso has since been fined a total of P20,000 by the Commissioner’s Office for making comments detrimental to the league.
Tan and Ildefonso were quick to put the issue behind as the two already shook hands shortly after the game.
“Nag-kamayan. Sa sports, fair naman yung laro natin kanina,” said Tan, who nonetheless was thankful about the write ups that came out as an aftermath of Ildefonso’s comments.
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