NLEX is off to a fine start, something that pleases Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao no end.
Whether NLEX could sustain it will be known when it battles Ginebra tonight in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The nightcap is set at 6 p.m. after Converge tries to get back on track when it squares off with winless Terrafirma in the curtain-raiser at 3 o’clock.
“We’re on pace with our objective na makapag-umpisa nang maayos. Last two games namin, contenders talaga, San Miguel and TNT. Makapanalo ka ng isa sa dalawang iyon ay malaking bagay,” Guiao said. “At least may puhunan kami kahit paano. Marami pang mangyayari and sana walang injuries. Pero hindi mo masasabi. Knock on wood, sana healthy kami.”
The Road Warriors slipped past TNT 90-89 last Thursday and hiked their record to 2-1.
The likes of Kevin Alas, Calvin Oftana, JR Quiñahan, and Don Trollano are expected to lead NLEX’s charge.
After notching two straight victories, the Kings fell 84-89 to Magnolia three days ago.
Ginebra tactician Tim Cone admitted his charges lost to an opponent that wanted it more.
“This is not the end of all right here. Still early in the conference. We played a tough team that was desperate,” Cone said. “They’re the No. 1 seed in the last conference, and they’re always all-Filipino finalists. So, they’re really a tough team.”
The Kings will pin their hopes on reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, Arvin Tolentino, and LA Tenorio.
Meanwhile, the pro league yesterday slapped a P10,000 fine and one-game suspension on Magnolia forward Calvin Abueva.
Abueva was ejected early in the fourth quarter for incurring his second technical foul in the Hotshots’ 89-84 win over Ginebra last Sunday night.
With his team still battling the Kings, Abueva left the Mall of Asia Arena in a huff and shouted “Japan, Japan! Bye PBA!”
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial summoned Abueva to his office last Monday.
