JUST three days after their heavyweight clash top-tier teams NLEX Road Warriors and Meralco Bolts return to action against separate foes in their quest to move closer to a spot in the quarterfinals as the eliminations of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup resumes.
Still fresh off their big win last Sunday against the Bolts, the Road Warriors (5-1) go for their sixth win as they battle the rejuvenated Blackwater Elite squad at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tomorrow Friday.
After tasting its first defeat, erstwhile league-leader Meralco (4-1) attempts to bounce back as it duels the inconsistent Phoenix Petroleum Fuelmasters (2-3) at 4:15 p.m. in the opener.
NLEX and Meralco are two of the top three teams and they both want to keep their places at the upper echelon.
The Road Warriors listed their biggest win of the tournament, showing character in dealing the Bolts their first defeat with a tough 100-94 grinder last Sunday in a very competitive match.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao likes what he sees from his team this conference so far and cited one factor that is helping the Warriors’ climb.
“I think the maturity of this team is now developing,” said Guiao. “This last win was a good test for us and it’s surreal to see our team as one of the top teams so far.”
NLEX will now be taking on its former import Bill Walker, who gave the Elite a new leash on life upon his return, leading his team to a 92-86 victory over the Fuel Masters last Aug. 6.
The scoring of Walker is now Blackwater’s lead weapon and it will be put to a test against the Road Warriors.
The Bolts, after experiencing their first setback, will try to avoid a second straight loss but they will have to deal with unpredictable Phoenix, which still doesn’t know who its import will be in the encounter ahead.
The Bolts, runner-up last year, are playing are playing well so far and would like to keep it going to move closer to clinching a spot in the next phase.
Phoenix Petroleum’s resident import Eugene Phelps is currently injured and is nursing a bone bruise on his left foot.
For insurance, Phoenix tapped Brandon Brown in the event that Phelps won’t be able to go.
It will be a game-time decision as per Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia. Phelps will go and play if he can but if not, Brown will take his place.