As the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round nears its final stretch, NLEX Road Warriors and Converge FiberXers brace for a crucial face-off this Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Both teams are seeking to solidify their place in the top eight and inch closer to the quarterfinal berth, making this matchup one of the most anticipated games of the week.
NLEX Eyes Sixth Straight Win
With five consecutive wins under their belt, the NLEX Road Warriors are on a mission. Another victory would not only extend their winning streak to six but also allow them to tie with idle league leader Magnolia. More importantly, it would push them within striking distance of clinching a spot in the quarterfinals of the 11-game elimination round.
Coach Jong Uichico is confident but cautious, acknowledging the challenges ahead—not just from Converge but also from defending champs Meralco, whom they face just two days later. “Back-to-back games are a real test,” Uichico admitted, adding that Converge’s size and cohesion will be tough to beat.
Converge Looks to Build Momentum
Meanwhile, Converge aims to ride the momentum from their commanding 111-92 win over NorthPort. A win would elevate their record to 6-3 and significantly boost their playoff aspirations. Coach Franco Atienza is excited about the opportunity to go head-to-head with a surging team like NLEX.
“We will cherish that challenge. It will be a nice game,” Atienza said, highlighting how both teams are peaking at a crucial time.
Clash of Styles: Small Ball vs. Twin Towers
A key subplot in this matchup is the contrast in playing styles. NLEX often deploys a small ball lineup, relying on speed, hustle, and effort—particularly on rebounding. “Maliit kami pero malaki ang puso,” Uichico said, emphasizing effort over technique.
In contrast, Converge banks on the interior dominance of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, two towering big men who can dominate both ends of the court. Their size presents a clear mismatch that NLEX will have to counter with grit and smart rotations.
Players to Watch
-
Robert Bolick continues to be the heartbeat of the Road Warriors, consistently producing across the stat sheet.
-
Rookie standouts like Xyrus Torres, JP Bahio, and Brandon Ramirez have also stepped up, showing poise and delivering in crucial moments.
-
Javee Mocon, Anthony Semerad, and Kevin Alas bring experience and stability to the rotation.
For Converge, all eyes will be on the Baltazar-Arana tandem, but the real X-factor may be team chemistry—something Coach Atienza believes is their biggest strength.
Familiar Foes: Ramirez vs. Baltazar
Adding spice to the matchup is the reunion between Brandon Ramirez and Justine Baltazar, who played together in the MPBL with Pampanga. Now on opposing sides, Ramirez looks forward to the battle.
“We’ve been a pretty good tandem, and now we get to compete at the highest stage in the PBA,” he said.
Friday’s game is more than just another fixture on the calendar—it’s a litmus test for both teams’ championship aspirations. With NLEX aiming to maintain its streak and Converge hungry for consistency, fans can expect an intense, high-quality matchup.
Whether you’re rooting for the underdog or the favorite, this game is one you won’t want to miss.