GAMES TODAY
(Ynares Center, Montalban)
5 p.m. – NLEX vs. Blackwater
7:30 p.m. – Phoenix vs. TNT
NLEX and Blackwater are feeling good these days but who gets to savor another win is a big question mark.
The Road Warriors square off with the Bossing today, Friday, as the PBA Philippine Cup makes its debut at the newly-built Ynares Center in Montalban.
The game is set at 5 p.m. before grand slam-seeking TNT tries to stop the bleeding when it faces Phoenix in the nightcap at 7:30.
The Jong Uichico-mentored NLEX five is eyeing a third straight victory on the heels of a 91-74 demolition of the Tropang 5G last week that hiked its record to 2-1.
But Uichico is not one to be lulled into the false notion that his team no longer needs consistency and improvement.
“Maganda ang ipinapakita nila as a team and I think we are on that process na unti-unting makakarating tayo doon,” Uichico said. “I’m happy with the way we are playing. We are consistent and we keep on improving.”
The likes of gunner Robert Bolick, JB Bahio, Xyrus Torres, Javee Mocon, and Anthony Semerad will be counted upon anew by the Road Warriors.
Blackwater tactician Jeffrey Cariaso is likewise under no illusion that they already have what it takes.
“It’s just one game. The goal is always to be consistent and we have to be better and prepare for NLEX. Every game is tough for us. Every game is like a championship for us so we have to understand it does not get easier. Alam namin iyon,” Cariaso said after the Bossing waylaid the NorthPort Batang Pier 120-98 last week. “So, as the conference progresses, the goal is always to try to get early wins.
“As your team is feeling better, getting and hitting their strides, it will always be a tough match-up so the goal is to prepare well for NLEX, which is obviously playing well. Lots of good players there, so we have to be good.”
Cariaso and Blackwater will lean on RK Ilagan, Sedrick Barefield, Christian David, and Troy Mallilin in their bid to improve their 1-2 slate.
TNT fell in its first two outings and will draw strength from Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac, Roger Pogoy, JP Erram, and Kelly Williams against the Fuel Masters, who succumbed to the Magnolia Hotshots 99-118 last Saturday in Zamboanga City which pulled them down to 1-3.
The Tropang 5G should make their moves now as they chase the coveted golden treble.
