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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider NLEX keeping the faith as Road Warriors cram to stay in playoff hunt

NLEX keeping the faith as Road Warriors cram to stay in playoff hunt

Published Jan 26, 2025 07:04 am

At A Glance

  • NLEX is keeping the faith that it can make it to the next round of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup and the game against Rain or Shine was a manifestation to that belief.

NLEX is keeping the faith that it can make it to the next round of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup and the game against Rain or Shine was a manifestation to that belief.


PBA Images1 (91).jpg

Playing with their backs against the wall, the Road Warriors simply powered through every single adversity thrown at them – from the foul trouble of their import Mike Watkins to the repeated rallies from the Elasto Painters.

NLEX came away with the much-needed 122-110 win to keep in step with No. 8 San Miguel with similar 5-6 records and just a game behind No. 7 Rain or Shine with a 6-5 slate.

“At least we know that we can battle, especially when the games count, we don't lose faith, we don't lose hope. We’re always there even though the chances are very slim,” said NLEX head coach Jong Uichico.

“We give ourselves a shot if we can translate that consistently and our practices then we’ll be alright,” he added.

Leading the way for NLEX was star guard Robert Bolick who poured 40 points to go with 10 assists in yet another Herculean effort to keep his team in playoff contention.

But unlike in the previous games, he got ample support from the other locals especially when Watkins was forced to sit due to foul trouble.

Anthony Semerad fired 17, Xyrus Torres had 12 and Kevin Alas chipped in 11 as they contributed timely baskets in the second half to keep the rallying Rain or Shine at bay.

“‘Yung locals they held the fort, in fact, nag-lead pa nga ata sila ng 10 points, if I'm not mistaken,” said Uichico as he hailed NLEX bench for its contributions.

“They held the fort very well kasi pwedeng bumaliktad yung laro eh, (ROS) yung lumamang pero because they played very well, they defended very well, they made shots and we are able to hang on yun yung importante doon,” added the veteran coach.

NLEX has won back-to-back games to get back in playoff contention after five straight defeats and that’s a chance Bolick wants the Road Warriors not to put to waste.

“‘Yung mga talo namin last year dapat panalo na kami, di namin na-close. Nabigyan kami ng opportunity may hope na makapasok kami sabi nga ni caoch minsan lang mangyari iyon so grab na namin yung opportunity,” said the veteran playmaker.

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