AS the NorthPort Batang Pier set out for battle versus the Magnolia Hotshots, Venky Jois may still be in the operating room, undergoing a procedure for his torn Achilles.
The Batang Pier have to fend for themselves as they fight for survival in a tough campaign in the PBA Governors' Cup elimination round.
NorthPort and Magnolia clash in a rematch in the import-flavored tourney at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
A loss would mean outright exit, enabling the Hotshots to complete the quarterfinals qualifiers from Group A, joining the TNT Tropang Giga, the Meralco Bolts and the Converge FiberXers.
"Too late to bring in an import replacement. Kailangan pa ng FIBA clearance," said NorthPort governor Erick Arejola.
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But it doesn't mean the Batang Pier would now just roll over and die.
The fact is coach Bonnie Tan and his crew are now even raring put up the biggest fight they could in a bid to pull abreast with the Hotshots at 4-5.
Incidentally, Jois was out on earlier injury when they suffered a 94-105 loss to the Hotshots in their first face-off on Sept. 4.
If they survive the Hotshots, a new import may be in town when the Batang Pier play their closing game in the elims versus the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday.
But the Hotshots would surely be tough, tough assignment, coming from an 82-84 loss to the Tropang Giga Tuesday that sent them to the ropes.
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Coach Chito Victolero and his chargers are now looking forward to winning their last two games to not just make the quarters but salvage the best seeding they could get in the post-elims play.
Magnolia's last two assignments are NorthPort and Converge.(SB)
