STAYING alive.
NLEX got the job done against Rain or Shine last Saturday night to remain in the hunt for a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Road Warriors coach Jong Uichico praised his wards’ fighting spirit in carving out a 122-110 beat down of the Elasto Painters for their fifth win.
“Well, at least we know that we can battle, as you said, especially when the games count. We don’t lose faith. We don’t lose hope,” Uichico said. “We’re always there, even if the chances are very slim. We give ourselves a shot all the time.
“So, if we can translate that all the consistently in our games and in our practices, then, you know, we’ll be alright,” he added.
The much-needed triumph hiked NLEX’s mark to 5-6 in a tie with defending champion San Miguel Beer for the eighth and final spot in the Last Eight.
Robert Bolick sizzled with 40 points and 10 assists for the Road Warriors while import Mike Watkins also had 25 markers, 14 board, and two blocks.
Tony Semerad, Xyrus Torres, Kevin Alas, and JaveeMocon also added 17, 12, and 10 points, respectively for NLEX.
“They held the court. Iyong locals held the court. In fact, nag-lead pa ngasila ng 10 points yata, if I’m not mistaken. So, they held the court very well napuwedengbumaliktadiyonglaro, puwedesilaiyonglumamangpero because they played very well, they defended well, they made shots, so we were able to hang on,” Uichico said.
“Humahabolnakasiiyong Rain or Shine noong time naiyon and we were able to hang on. Iyonangimportantedoonnamaskiwalaiyong import namin, still, they still worked hard and found a way to get that lead.”
Consistency holds the key for the Road Warriors’ campaign, according to Uichico.
“Kasi if we can become consistent—iyanngaiyon scoring, laging may seven double figures so, nakakapulot kami ng puntossaibangmga players. Sabi ng niBerto, nag-stepped up sila offensively and defensively,” he said. “So, nakaka-contribute lahat. Hindi siyanai-isolate kay Mike at tsaka kay Berto. So, maganda, if we can become consistent, then it’s a good sign.”