THE first order of the day for Northport when it went on a holiday break was to keep its focus and remain in playing shape.
Coach Bonnie Tan stressed about the matter as the league-leading Batang Pier earned the benefit of a three-week break in their PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign due to the holiday season.
The team last played on Dec. 20 in a 120-113 win over guest team Eastern, and won't return to the playing court until Jan. 8 when it tangles with surging Barangay Ginebra Kings.
"We spoke about that side regarding the long break. And I told the team they're all professionals naman. So dapat yung conditioning nila andun pa rin, yung timing (andun pa rin) to continue the good run sa mga nakuha naming panalo," said Tan.
Northport currently occupies the top spot with a 6-1 record, its lone loss coming at the expense of previously winless Phoenix, 115-109, before promptly bouncing back with the victory over Eastern.
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Main man Arvin Tolentino said beating the Hong Kong-based squad raised the morale of the team anew going to the three-week break.
But while the Batang Pier got a good deal from team management about their holiday breather should they end the year with a bang, Tolentino did reiterate the directive of Tan and the rest of the coaching staff about remaining fit and in shape despite the Christmas and New Year vacations.
"We'll see next year. Mabigat kasi yung schedules namin," he said about Northport's five remaining games.
After Barangay Ginebra, also in line for the Batang Pier are Meralco (Jan. 14), Rain or Shine (Jan. 16), San Miguel (Jan. 21), and Blackwater (Jan. 25). (RG)
