NLEX eyes third consecutive win
AFTER a slow start to the seasonending Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup, losing three of its first four games, the NLEX Road Warriors have been steadying, winners of back- to- back games which they hope to add on to as they take the hardwood anew today.
The Road Warriors (3-3) are to face the Meralco Bolts (4-3) at the 4:15 p.m. curtain-raiser at the Smart Araneta Coliseum where they are out to sustain the momentum they have built of late and further their push for a spot in the top four.
Following the NLEX-Meralco tiff is the tussle between the defending champions San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces at the 7 p.m. main game.
NLEX comes into today’s game off an 82-81 squeaker over the Mahindra Enforcers last week.
Import Henry Walker towed the team to victory by scoring 39 points, including seven triples, and grabbing 13 rebounds while Kevin Alas had 13 markers.
Big man Asi Taulava, 43, who inked a fresh two-year deal with the team on Monday, grabbed 12 rebounds to go along with eight points.
“The team hopes that these back- to- back wins of ours would prepare us for our upcoming games,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez after their latest win, which was a follow- up to their victory over the Star Hotshots, 88- 85, on Aug. 12.
Out to derail NLEX is Meralco, who was victorious over the Blackwater Elite, 105- 90, in its previous game.
PRIVACY FOR CARDONA
Meanwhile, NLEX is asking the public to respect the privacy of currently reserve player Mark Cardona who is recuperating from what was reported to be an overdose on prescription pills at the weekend.
The apparent suicide attempt of veteran guard-forward Cardona came in the midst of reports of personal problems that the player is dealing with.
In a statement, NLEX expressed its support to Mr. Cardona and his family at this difficult time and is urging the public to do the same by respecting their call for privacy.
The team also said it is going to provide whatever the former La Salle standout needs in his recovery.
Mr. Cardona is not on the active list of NLEX for the Governors’ Cup. He has PBA career averages of 14.6 points, four rebounds and 2.2 assists in 11 years and playing for four teams.