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NLEX Eyes Strong Finish Against NorthPort Despite Quarterfinal Berth

Road Warriors Maintain Competitive Edge Ahead of Playoffs

Despite already securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup, the NLEX Road Warriors aren’t slowing down. With one game left in the elimination round, Coach Jong Uichico emphasized the importance of staying sharp and focused as his squad prepares to face a struggling NorthPort Batang Pier team at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

NLEX, currently holding a strong 8-2 record, has already locked in a top-four finish and the coveted twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinals. Yet Coach Uichico remains committed to continuous improvement.

“The main goal is to get better every day. You still have to remain sharp, despite being in the quarterfinals, twice-to-beat,” Uichico stressed.

Staying Focused Despite Favorable Position

While NLEX is heavily favored against NorthPort—who has suffered eight consecutive losses and sits at the bottom of the standings with a 1-8 record—Uichico warns against complacency. According to him, an early playoff qualification can sometimes cause teams to lose their competitive edge.

“Kailangan sharp minds, sharp physically. Kasi minsan pag maaga pagpasok mo, medyo you lose a little bit of focus,” he said.

He also highlighted the need for daily reminders to the team about their long-term goals and maintaining mental discipline.

Chance at Top Seed Still in Play

Should NLEX secure a win over NorthPort, there’s a real possibility they could end up as the top seed after the elimination round. That would pit them against the eighth-ranked team in the quarterfinals. If they finish second, they will face the seventh seed instead.

While the standings will ultimately depend on other results, Uichico is more concerned about being prepared for any opponent than about playoff math.

“Maraming hindi namin kontrolado, pero still hindi naman magbabago approach natin sa laro,” Uichico stated.

Injury Concerns Loom Over Final Game

One of the uncertainties surrounding NLEX’s final game is the health of key players like Anthony Semerad, Javee Mocon, Dom Fajardo, and Matt Nieto. All four are nursing injuries, and their availability for the game will be a game-time decision.

“Do we rest them? Do we play them? Medyo may sakit-sakit talaga, eh. So gameday decision sila,” said Uichico, showing a cautious but strategic approach to player management.

Treating Every Game as a Building Block

Regardless of NorthPort’s poor record and lack of playoff implications, Uichico insists his team will treat the match seriously. For him, every game—regardless of stakes—is an opportunity to fine-tune strategy and improve team chemistry.

“We will approach it like a game we should win, for another improvement in our game,” he said. “We will still approach it like a bearing game, in terms of us continuing to improve pa.”

Building Momentum Toward the Playoffs

As the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations draw to a close, NLEX is proving that professionalism and commitment to excellence are more important than taking an easy route. With a disciplined mindset, strategic leadership, and an eye on long-term performance, the Road Warriors are set on entering the quarterfinals not just as contenders—but as one of the most prepared teams in the league.