GAMES TODAY
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m. – Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine
7:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs. NLEX
KEEPING a winning run going sometimes poses a more difficult challenge than checking a losing skid, especially against a formidable opponent.
NLEX seeks to pass an initial stern test when it takes on Ginebra tonight in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The game is set at 7:30 p.m. after Rain or Shine and Blackwater try to rediscover their winning ways when they tangle in the curtain-raiser at 5 o’clock.
The charges of coach Jong Uichico have won their last three games, counting an 80-72 victory over the Bossing last Friday that hiked their mark to 3-1.
But the Road Warriors should not rest on their laurels in their next three outings—against the Kings, pacesetting Magnolia on Sunday, May 11, and defending champion Meralco on May 14, according to NLEX star Robert Bolick.
“Malayo pa kami. Mabigat iyong tatlong games namin. Dito kami masusubukan,” Bolick said. “Ang kagandahan nga lang, kahit anong nangyayari, natatalo, nalalamangan.
“Iyong composure namin as a team and we trust each other na mag-contribute sa game,” he added.
Aside from the prolific Bolick, the likes of Xyrus Torres, Kevin Alas, JB Bahio, Javee Mocon, and Anthony Semerad will be counted upon by NLEX to deliver anew.
Boosted by the returning Jayson David, Ginebra made mincemeat of NorthPort 131-106 last week to improve to 2-1 in the season-ending tourney.
David was reactivated by the Kings in place of veteran playmaker LA Tenorio, who was relegated to the unrestricted free agent list due to his stint as Gilas Pilipinas Under-16 tactician in the SEABA U-16 qualifiers later this month in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Ginebra will pin its hopes on former MVP Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrrientos, Stephen Holt, Maverick Ahanmisi, Jamie Malonzo, and veterans Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario.
“Blackwater is still a dangerous team. They have the materials to contend with the stronger teams if they’re 100 percent, injury-free,” Elasto Painters strategist Yeng Guiao said. “If they have a complete lineup and they’re healthy, I think they can beat any team.
“They’re just running through some bad stretch at this point.”
Rain or Shine fell to Converge 97-107 also last week and skidded to 2-2 but the return from injuries of big men Beau Belga (vertigo) and Caelan Tiongson (back spasms) should boost Guiao’s hopes along with Adrian Nocum, Leonard Santillan, Gian Mamuyac, Keith Datu, and Gabe Norwood—with caution as the unpredictability of Blackwater gnaws at him.
Bossing gunners Sedrick Barefield (hamstring) and Christian David (ankle sprain) are doubtful to suit up, a predicament that worries Guiao.
“Alam naming na-injured iyong Barefield at David, pero we’re preparing for them to have a full line-up. Our assumption is, they can play,” he said.
The Road Warriors are out to prove they deserve their moniker as they will play in a virtual “road game” against the crowd darlings in a first of three straight crucial tiffs.
