NLEX head coach Jong Uichico is focusing on the silver linings of his team’s heartbreak in its Philippine Cup campaign which came to an abrupt end in the quarterfinals against Rain or Shine.

While the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially with the Road Warriors holding onto a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs, the loss just showed that the team still has plenty to learn and improve on.

“Maski na out kami sa twice to beat, still we can build on this all-Filipino, and I think that’s what we should do,” said Uichico after NLEX’s 92-103 loss to Rain or Shine.

Despite the frustrating exit, the Philippine Cup showing for NLEX is a strong indication that the team is improving according to Uichico.

“The first two conferences were terrible performances in my opinion. But I think now is a better gauge of what we can do,” said Uichico, whose NLEX had a combined 11-11 record through the first two conferences.

It made it to the playoffs in the Governors’ Cup but finished ninth in the Commissioner’s Cup. In the all-Filipino, the Road Warriors were tied for the top spot with an 8-3 record and had young players J Bahio, Xyrus Torres and Brandon Ramirez breaking out for the team to help Robert Bolick.

“May nakita naman akong improvement sa team compared to the two conferences. So we’ll build what positive came about in this all-Filipino,” he added.

Uichico admitted, however, that Rain or Shine was just too experienced for NLEX at this point.

“Hindi pa sanay. There are some players na sanay, pero generally , hindi pa,” said the nine-time champion coach.

“Rain or Shine, tried and tested na yan. They’ve been in the semis, they’ve been there and sanay na sila sa ganyang sitwasyon. And you give credit to Rain or Shine and coach Yeng [Guiao] na they took advantage of our weaknesses.”

“Of course, you will learn from your mistakes, pero siyempre, let’s focus also on the positives na we made strides compared to the last two conferences,” he added.