Former NLEX coach Yeng Guiao admitted that the Road Warriors had become tougher to crack, even after his Rain or Shine squad bundled them out, 103-92, in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal do-or-die clash last Saturday, June 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Yung NLEX team, ang tingin ko malapit na rin yung panahon nila. Ang hirap na nilang talunin ngayon,” multi-titled coach Guiao said in the post-game press conference.
After getting bounced by Magnolia in their 8th-seed playoff clash last Commissioner’s Cup, the Road Warriors secured a twice-to-beat advantage this conference after finishing as the second best after the elims.
Guiao also praised NLEX’s rise, crediting their young coreand the coaching staff for assembling the right pieces, saying it’s only a matter of time before the Road Warriors break through.
“Credit to coach Jong [Uichico] and his staff, and to boss Ronald [Dularte] for putting together a very competitive team. Malapit na malapit na yung panahon nila,” Guiao added.
Robert Bolick bounced back from a cold shooting night last Wednesday as he erupted for 34 points, but his scoring outburst wasn’t enough to lift NLEX to the next stop.
Still, Uichico tipped his hat to his boys for making significant progress when it comes to competitiveness as compared to their previous conferences, noting visible improvements in their system.
A true gentleman that he is, Uichico also showered the E-Painters – Guiao included – with glowing words.
“Rain or Shine is true and tested diyan eh. In the past two conferences, they’ve been there, and sanay na sila sa ganyang sitwasyon. And you give credit to Rain or Shine and coach Yeng, [na] they took advantage of our weaknesses,” he added.
Only up by a single point, 82–81, early in the payoff period, Elasto Painters went on a strong 10–1 run, sparked by timely buckets from Jhonard Clarito, Santi Santillan, and Mike Malonzo, to stretch their lead to 92–82 and taking full control of the game.
“Nung nag-lead na nang malaki, nagka-momentum yung Rain or Shine and we could not recover. It’s part of the playoff atmosphere.”
“But I said that there’s always a first time and that’s good enough. Pero doon ka lang matututo eh. And then hopefully, they use it as a tool to learn and as a tool to improve,” said Uichico.
Rain or Shine braces for another interesting showdown with Talk N’ Text as their best-of-seven semifinal series tips off Wednesday, June 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Angelo Caparas (Intern)
