NLEX and Blackwater battle for the last quarterfinal berth in Group B in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup.
NLEX makes sure to control its destiny as it targets the last quarterfinal seat in Group B in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
Seeking to join Rain or Shine, San Miguel and Brgy. Ginebra in the next round, the Road Warriors mauled Phoenix, 104-79, on Friday, Sept. 20.
NLEX thus improved its mark to 4-5 for a solo hold of the fourth spot it previously shared with Blackwater, the other team aiming for the playoffs.
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To qualify, the Bossing will have to hurdle the Elasto Painters (7-2) and the Beermen (6-3), among the top two teams in the group.
Though the pressure may be on Blackwater, Road Warriors coach Jong Uichico is not discounting the talented squad at coach Jeffrey Cariaso’s disposal.
“It puts pressure on Blackwater, but alam naman natin that Blackwater is capable. Ang ganda naman noong lineup nila. Maganda 'yung team nila, so capable sila of winning two games,” Uichico said during the post-game press conference at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
“Hindi naman puwedeng ma-discount 'yung fact that they still have a shot at getting to the quarterfinals if they win both games. So kami, nanalo kami; we did our job today. And then, we'll try to do our job also on Sunday,” he added.
NLEX could make its life easier with a win against the Gin Kings on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Blackwater will face San Miguel tomorrow, Sept. 21, at 5:00 p.m. and then Rain or Shine on Monday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m., both at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With just a day of preparation for the Road Warriors in their crucial bout against Brgy. Ginebra, Uichico is hoping that the team can bank on its momentum from its big win against Phoenix.
“I don't think we have much adjustment to do for one day preparation,” said Uichico.
“I think we'll just carry over what we did today, and hopefully, that we come up with a win again on Sunday.”