Road Warriors Stay Hungry for More Wins
Although the NLEX Road Warriors have already secured a spot in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals, their journey is far from over. Head coach Jong Uichico is determined to keep his squad focused, as a higher ranking promises a significant advantage—specifically, a twice-to-beat edge in the next round.
With a current 6-2 record, NLEX aims to lock in a top-four finish by winning its final three games of the eliminations. The campaign resumes with a crucial match against Phoenix Super LPG on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, followed by games against Magnolia (Friday) and NorthPort (June 11).
“The idea is to get to the top four, not just to get into the quarterfinals,” emphasized Uichico.
Why the Top Four Matters
In the PBA Philippine Cup format, the top four teams at the end of the 11-game elimination round are rewarded with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. This means they only need to win once against a lower-seeded team that would need to beat them twice to advance.
With many teams clustered around similar win-loss records—most hovering around six wins—every game is vital. Coach Uichico knows the competition is tight and that complacency could cost them.
“We still have to keep on winning as many games as we can,” he said.
Phoenix: A Threat with Nothing to Lose
Despite a 2-6 record, Phoenix Super LPG cannot be taken lightly. They remain in the hunt for a potential playoff berth if they manage to sweep their final three games and other results go their way. This makes them a desperate and dangerous opponent.
Moreover, Uichico respects Phoenix’s growing sense of team identity—a quality that makes them especially challenging to play against.
“They know already their identity… they thrive on that, win or lose. So it’s hard to play teams like those,” Uichico explained.
Bounce Back Mindset After Setback
NLEX recently saw their six-game winning streak snapped by Meralco in a 108-92 loss. Still, Uichico remains optimistic, viewing the upcoming game as a toss-up that will depend on execution and adaptability.
“If they stop you from doing your strengths, then they win. Pero if you exploit their weakness, then mas lalaki chances mo,” said the veteran coach.
Injury Woes Pose a Challenge
The Road Warriors are also grappling with a series of injuries and health concerns. Key players Richie Rodger, Mike Miranda, Enoch Valdez, Jonnel Policarpio, and Dominic Fajardo are all listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Despite the setbacks, Uichico is not making excuses.
“Having injuries is a reason, but it is not an excuse. You always have to find a way,” he said.
“Whatever it is, lumaban lang tayo. Hindi naman natin kontrolado injuries, so lalaban lang tayo.”
Conclusion: All Eyes on a Strong Finish
While already assured of a quarterfinal berth, NLEX is pushing hard for a top-four finish that would grant them a strategic advantage in the next stage. Their immediate test is Phoenix, a team with its own ambitions and growing identity.
With determination, strategic focus, and resilience in the face of injuries, the Road Warriors aim to finish the eliminations strong and enter the playoffs with momentum and confidence.