GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME REPLAY
The PBA Philippine Cup heats up as the surging NLEX Road Warriors, led by star guard Robert Bolick, aim to extend their winning streak to four games when they clash with Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. This crucial matchup is pivotal for both teams as they strive to solidify their spots in the upper echelon of the standings.
NLEX on a Roll After Slow Start
After a shaky start to the conference, where they fell to powerhouse San Miguel Beermen (89-98), NLEX quickly regrouped and found their rhythm. The Road Warriors bounced back with three consecutive victories, showcasing improved chemistry and resilience on both ends of the floor.
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Win #1: A convincing 109-95 triumph over Rain or Shine highlighted their offensive fluidity.
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Win #2: They then crushed TNT Tropang Giga, 91-74, in a game that displayed their defensive tenacity.
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Win #3: Their most recent win was a grind-it-out 80-72 win over the Blackwater Bossing.
With a 3-1 record, NLEX sits just behind the undefeated Magnolia Hotshots (5-0) and hopes to stay in contention ahead of two tough matchups against Magnolia on May 11 and defending champions Meralco Bolts on May 16.
“We have a tough three-game stretch coming up, and this is where we’ll really be tested,” said Bolick, acknowledging the importance of the upcoming schedule.
Ginebra Finds Its Groove After Shaky Start
Ginebra, meanwhile, entered the Philippine Cup after a deep run in the Commissioner’s Cup finals, and the short turnaround seemingly affected their early performance. The Gin Kings dropped their opener to San Miguel (93-104) and looked disjointed.
However, the team regained its rhythm in a dominant 131-106 win over NorthPort, with coach Tim Cone crediting improved focus and recovery time.
“It’s been a tough conference so far due to the quick turnaround. We gave the guys a break to rest mentally and physically, but we had to rush preparations. Thankfully, we snapped out of it in our last game,” said Cone.
Abarrientos, David Spark Ginebra Resurgence
Ginebra’s recent victory over NorthPort was powered by stellar shooting. The team drained 17-of-32 three-pointers, including an explosive eight triples in the opening quarter alone.
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RJ Abarrientos: Led the charge with 27 points and six threes.
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Jayson David: Made an instant impact in his return, scoring 25 points with a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Their performance boosted Ginebra to a 2-1 record, reinvigorating their campaign as they head into the high-stakes battle against NLEX.
A Showdown With Implications
Both teams enter Wednesday’s matchup riding the momentum of big wins, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. For NLEX, it’s a chance to further legitimize their contender status. For Ginebra, it’s an opportunity to build consistency and climb the standings.
With both squads eyeing bigger goals and key players in top form, the Ninoy Aquino Stadium is set for an intense and potentially season-shaping battle.