Team maturity needed for NLEX playoffs push
AS NLEX Road Warriors make their final push going into the playoffs, coach Yeng Guiao hopes his team to get their acts and avoid fourth quarter collapse that has cost them some games during the eliminations round in the PBA.
Guiao, who was in Baguio City during the weekend, said the Road Warriors has to be weary of their inconsistent plays especially during the fourth period citing the game against Alaska where they almost bungled a 30 point lead but still escaped with the victory.
“Our team losing a 30 point lead in the end game but still won teaches a lot of lessons,” said the fiery coach. “If you are mature as a team, there’s a less chance of collapsing at the end.”
Giuao added the team has yet to reach its full potential as most of the players are new with the system. “We are learning how to play with each other and those collapses in the end game happens to every developing team,” said Guiao.
The former Pampanga vice - governor and congressman took over the
NLEX squad in 2016 from the reigns of Boyet Fernandez and has done a major revamp in the squad with only veteran Asi Taulava remaining in the previous squad.
Currently at the fourth spot of the team standings, the Road Warriors with a 6-4 win loss record takes on Talk n’ Text (4-6) on Wednesday as it hopes to solidify its hold in the top four going into the quarter finals.
“Six wins gets you into the quarterfinals. It’s going to be a tough match against Talk n’ Text because we know they also needed to win badly to get into the playoffs,” said Giuao adding the real character of the squad will be tested against their sister team.
Top rookie Keifer Ravena and Kevin Alas is expected to suit up for the Road Warriors against the Katropa after their duty to the national team during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.