NLEX breaks free from five-team tie for the lead
ANTIPOLO—Coach Jong Uichico and NLEX started another week of games in the PBA with a victory that assured them of at least a share of the lead heading into what he knows is a tough stretch for the Road Warriors in the Philippine Cup.
But after improving to a 4-1 win-loss slate by defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 99-88, on Wednesday at Ynares Center here, Uichico stressed the need to remedy some kinks in the Road Warriors’ armor.
“We always have that lull,” said Uichico after NLEX saw Blackwater threaten in the third quarter before JB Bahio was among those who helped restore order in the fourth. “We got to find out why we also had that and overcome that.”
How they overcome that during the course of the eliminations will be key for the Road Warriors as they enter a stretch of big games that will test their resolve in the All-Filipino tournament.
Demanding stretch
Next up for NLEX on Sunday at this venue is Barangay Ginebra, which still carries its reputation as a legitimate contender despite a 1-3 start that came after a loss to San Miguel Beer in Dubai.
On deck is Rain or Shine, the team that eliminated NLEX in the quarterfinals of the same conference last season despite a twice-to-beat advantage, on Nov. 8, in this city.
At least, as far as Uichico is concerned, the Road Warriors’ worries are emerging early, rather than late.
“It’s a concern, but at least we can find our adjustments moving forward,” he said.
Bahio scored a career-high 23 points on 11-of-15 shooting on top of six rebounds in a performance that continued to solidify his place in the rotation as someone who could score at times while also providing toughness, defense and rebounding underneath.
Bahio scored nine of his total in the fourth quarter as the Road Warriors completed their breakaway from a tight third frame.
Robert Bolick who added 15 points and 12 assists. Kevin Alas and Xyrus Torres also came up big for NLEX in breaking a five-way tie for the lead with TNT, Magnolia, Converge and Rain or Shine.
Torres, meanwhile, had his heroics coming in the opening frame, where he tallied eight of his 18 points.
TNT may join the Road Warriors by night’s end if it goes on to win over Meralco in a game being played at press time.
Blackwater absorbed a third straight defeat to go down at 1-3 despite big numbers anew from ace guard Sedrick Barefield.
Barefield had 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Bossing.
