Robert Bolick (with ball) and the Highway Warriors look to bounce again after getting smothered by the Bolts. —PBA IMAGES
Coping with the top of a protracted profitable streak is one thing that NLEX is within the technique of determining.
“The vital factor is that we are able to get better as a result of that is one thing new to us,” coach Jong Uichico mentioned after the Highway Warriors had been handed a 108-92 defeat by the Meralco Bolts on Sunday at Philsports Area in Pasig Metropolis.
NLEX noticed its six-game profitable streak within the PBA Philippine Cup snapped and fell to 6-2 for joint second with San Miguel Beer. The consequence additionally denied its first crack at securing a quarterfinals berth.
They’ll nonetheless get that slot if they’ll dwell as much as being favorites of their subsequent recreation on Sunday towards the Phoenix Gas Masters, who presently have a 2-5 file, at Sensible Araneta Coliseum.
Afterwards, NLEX battles Magnolia on June 6 and NorthPort on June 11, each at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, video games which might be essential in its potential top-four probabilities.
Groups that completed first to fourth will safe a twice-to-beat benefit within the quarters, which might be useful in NLEX’s bid to achieve the semifinals for under the third time in franchise historical past.
“The crew’s morale continues to be excessive,” Uichico mentioned. “It could have been completely different if we had been 2-6 as an alternative of being 6-2.”
The Highway Warriors had been on a roll since dropping their opening project to the Beermen, with Robert Bolick main the cost behind his scoring exploits and the way he facilitates the offense.
However NLEX has been getting extra manufacturing from rookies Xyrus Torres, JB Bahio and Brandon Ramirez plus unheralded ahead Dominick Fajardo.
Fajardo, nevertheless, received damage within the fourth quarter of Sunday’s affair with the Bolts which the crew mentioned was a case of Charlie Horse. In any other case, a possible absence might go away NLEX with out its unsung heroes.
The Highway Warriors haven’t loved this type of profitable type for the reason that 2022 Governors’ Cup below coach Yeng Guiao, the final time the franchise made the semifinals.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
NLEX was eradicated within the quarterfinals of the Governors’ Cup and misplaced to Magnolia in a playoff for No. 8 within the Commissioner’s Cup, which is why Uichico sees this as unfamiliar territory. INQ
