NLEX braces for killer stretch
There will be no rest for the weary as streaking NLEX is set to face tougher opponents in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup after the All-Star and Holy Week break. Behind the consistently explosive showing of Robert Bolick, the Road Warriors have won four of their five games to sit at solo second spot in the standings. But NLEX’s road to a spot in the playoffs gets bumpier following a three-week respite.
“We just need two more wins to get the magic number 6 (wins). All our coming games are going to be tough,” Bolick, who has been averaging an amazing 32.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
The Road Warriors, who are on a three-game winning roll, will take on Commissioner’s Cup runner-up Magnolia on 6 April.
NLEX’s challenging stretch includes a match against TNT in Candon, Ilocos Sur on 13 April, Phoenix on 20 April, defending champion San Miguel Beer on 28 April and Rain or Shine on 3 May.
It wraps up the elimination round in a clash with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on 5 May. “Three San Miguel teams, Talk ‘N Text then Phoenix and Rain or Shine. A difficult stretch by next month so we have to prepare hard. If we work as a team, we’ll go deep,” Bolick said.
‘After the break, we’re facing teams that played in the previous conference’s semis. No more easy games for us anymore.’
The Road Warriors built a good foundation in their drive to the next round, beating NorthPort, Meralco, Converge and erstwhile undefeated Blackwater.
Bolick showed the way in those wins including a career-milestone 46 points in a 115-93 win over the FiberXers last Saturday.
It was also the San Beda University product that saved NLEX from the jaws of defeat in a 103-97 escape over the Bossing last Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City after draining crucial back-to-back treys with under 45 seconds left in the tight ballgame.
Still, Bolick deflected all the credit for the Road Warriors’ success.
“This win (against Blackwater) was a total effort. It’s a great feeling that we all contributed to this victory,” said Bolick, who finished with 21 points including six in the fourth quarter against the Bossing.
“We really worked as a team. Coach Frankie (Lim) and our coaches told us that if we get this win, we’ll have four days off. It’s our motivation.”
NLEX played five games in almost two weeks. The Road Warriors’ lone loss was against Terrafirma, 95-99, last 3 March. But the work is far from over for NLEX. “We want to take a rest because we’ve played five games in 12 days. We’re tired but we still have to continue preparing even if we’re on a long break,” Bolick said.
“After the break, we’re facing teams that played in the previous conference’s semis. No more easy games for us anymore.”