Road Warriors on a roll, eye top finish
Credit to Author: Josef T. Ramos, TMT| Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2019 16:17:33 +0000
Solo leader Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) aims to keep the top post with only two games left in the elimination round when it faces Northport at 4:30 p.m. today in Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Road Warriors, on Sunday, crawled out of a 26-point deficit to stun defending champion Magnolia, 86-85, through Jericho Cruz’s game-winning shot. NLEX, with a five-game winning streak, holds an 8-1 win-loss record.
But coach Yeng Guiao warned the Road Warriors the Batang Pier is no easy conquest.
“That makes them (Northport) more dangerous because they are in do-or-die situation. We just want to prove our consistency and execution in preparation for the next round. We just wanted to keep our position on top,” said Guiao.
NLEX and No. 2 Meralco are entering the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage.
Guiao will be relying on Kiefer Ravena, JP Erram and import Mike Harris against Northport.
Guard Kevin Alas will be playing for the first time after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he sustained in February.
The Batang Pier and Alaska, with identical 3-6 win-loss records, are tied in the eighth and ninth spot .
Northport will be without rookie Robert Bolick who underwent an ACL surgery last week.
“We have no other choice but to fight. It’s a matter of survival for us,” said Northport coach Pido Jarencio in Filipino, who will be banking on Christian Standhardinger and import Michael Qualls.
Meanwhile, Alaska plays Phoenix Pulse (2-7) in a crucial match at 7 p.m.
The Aces will be fielding in new players Rodney Brondial and Robbie Herndon, acquired by Alaska via trade from Magnolia, in exchange of Chris Banchero last week.
The Fuel Masters, with a glimmering hope to enter the quarters, are hoping to halt a three-game skid.