REYNALD MAGALLON
Games Today
(PhilSports Arena)
5 p.m. – Blackwater vs San Miguel
7:30 p.m. – NLEX vs Meralco
NLEX might have recorded its longest win streak in its franchise history but head coach Jong Uichico intends to keep the team’s focus on its development.
The Road Warriors have notched their sixth straight win when they survived the Converge FiberXers, 88-83, and they have the chance to further stretch it when they clash against defending champion Meralco Bolts in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Sunday, May 25 at the PhilSports Arena.
“We are not targeting wins. We are targeting ourselves paano kami maglalaro.
Hindi yung we need this win. Ang kailangan namin is mag improve kami araw araw every practice, every game, everyday mag improve,” said Uichico.
But taking a win in their collision scheduled at 7:30 p.m. will surely be a welcome development for NLEX which, depending on the Saturdays clash between Magnolia and NorthPort could even take the lead in the standings.
“If it translates to wins then so be it pero mas interesado kami sa nilalaro namin sa offense and defense,” said Uichico.
Setting up the table for their game is a duel between Blackwater, which nearly pulled an upset against Ginebra, and San Miguel, which is looking to solidify its spot in the top 4 at the end of their 5 p.m.
Out to lead for the Road Warriors is Robert Bolick though unlike in the previous conferences, he is not doing it alone with guys like Xyrus Torres, Brandon Ramirez, JB Bahio all providing solid contributions.
Meralco, however, despite the inconsistency in its performance as of late remains to be a potent team.
And the Bolts have proven that in their title run last season where they started the conference at 3-5 and then still went on to marching to the Finals and beating San Miguel in six games
Now at a 4-5 record, Meralco is looking to turn the tables around now and string some victories to get a better position come playoff time. Chris Newsome will be spearheading that charge though guys like Bong Quinto, Aaron Black, Chris Banchero and Raymond Almazan are all ready to contribute.
