NLEX tries to extend its winning streak to three games as it eyes to climb up in the standings when it battles sister team Meralco in the opener of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Road Warriors (3-3) and the Bolts (4-3) clash at 4:15 p.m., to be followed by the tussle between defending champion San Miguel Beer (4-2) and Alaska (2-4) at 7 p.m.
NLEX is coming off an 82-81 escape over Mahindra, behind Kevin Alas’s key defensive stand down the stretch, to notch its third win in six games.
“I hope this [win] will help us on our back-to-back games against Meralco and Phoenix. We have to be ready every game,” Road Warriors Head Coach Boyet Fernandez.
Meralco is also coming off a huge win versus Blackwater, 105-90, with Allen Durham exploding for 30 points, while Jared Dillinger added 16 markers.
The win somehow eased the pain of the Bolts’ double-overtime loss to GlobalPort. Meralco played without Iranian import Mohammad Jamshidi, who decided to go back home as he struggled with his stint in the league.
“We’re not sure if we’re gonna replace Jamshidi. He’s having difficulty adjusting here in the PBA,” Bolts Head Coach Norman Black said. “We still need a shooter. We’re still open to the idea of having an Asian import who can shoot to give Durham some space.”
Meanwhile, the Beermen try to join Mahindra and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at the second spot with a win against the Aces, who are starting to play as a team as of late.
Alaska is coming off an 85-69 win over Star last week in Panabo, Davao City, with LaDontae Henton leading the Aces’ balanced attack with 27 points.