MANILA, Philippines — It’s been a well-oiled run so far for NLEX, which has racked up five straight victories after an opening stumble, very much on track for the coveted Top 4 spot in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.
And with the fall of erstwhile spotless Magnolia recently, the Road Warriors now find themselves with a shot at a tie for No. 1 – something they can achieve today if they can stretch their hot streak and go 6-1 against Converge (5-3).
The 5 p.m. tiff at the PhilSports Arena actually marks the start of a killer three-day stretch for the Road Warriors, who after battling the dangerous FibeXers will immediately face defending champion Meralco on Sunday night.
“Mabigat. Actually, lahat naman ng kalaban namin mabibigat talaga,” said coach Jong Uichico. “Mabuti medyo nagka-puhunan pero ‘yung back-to-back games, talagang it’s a test.”
First up are the fifth-running FiberXers, whose Twin Towers Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana are a handful to opponents, especially ones lacking size and length like NLEX.
“Converge is playing well. Two big men na dominating talaga si Balty (Baltazar) saka si Arana,” said Uichico, whose team will also have to deal with the explosive Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston.
“Oo, maliit kami pero malaki puso. Lalaban kami sa rebounding with extra effort.”
