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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Road Warriors eye sixth win vs FiberXers

Road Warriors eye sixth win vs FiberXers

Published May 22, 2025 03:26 pm

At A Glance

  • The Road Warriors are not only aiming to sustain their hot run of five games but also to improve to a 6-1 slate that would allow them to catch up with the Magnolia Hotshots atop the standings.

NLEX eyes a share of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup lead although Converge is standing right on its path when they collide Friday, May 23, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Road Warriors are not only aiming to sustain their hot run of five games but also to improve to a 6-1 slate that would allow them to catch up with the Magnolia Hotshots atop the standings.

Playing arguably its best basketball in recent years, NLEX is looking to stretch its streak to six at the end of its 5 p.m. affair against Converge (5-3).

Following suit in the second game at 7:30 p.m. is the clash between Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater with the former also hoping to get three straight wins while pouncing on the latter's struggles.

Though NLEX has taken down some powerhouse teams during its streak, head coach Jong Uichico is still treating the match against Converge as a huge test.

“Mabuti medyo nakapuhunan, pero 'yung back-to-back games talagang it's a test," said Uichico after his side's 117-87 mastery of Terrafirma last May 14.

"Converge, playing very well, two big men, size, dominating talaga. Tapos game against Meralco, very cohesive unit kasi nag-champion na. So it's going to be a test for us, the next two games."

The Road Warriors have proven to be a complete team this conference with guys like JB Bahio, Xyrus Torres, Kevin Alas and Javee Mocon all providing valuable contributions to the team's main man Robert Bolick although they are expected to face challenges against the young FiberXers team.

For one, Converge has formed a potent inside-outside attack where the twin towers of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar tasked to man the paint while the tandem of Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston spearheads the backcourt assault.

To neutralize Converge, Uichico said it is imperative for NLEX to not allow Arana and Baltazar to dominate the glass.

“Rebounding, I think, is more than technique. 'Yung gusto mong mag-rebound, eh. More effort rather than the technique side. It's just the double effort, the extra effort to try to get the ball,” Uichico preached to his wards.

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