NLEX Road Warriors coach Jong Uichico shares his thoughts on his charges' record sixth straight win in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Cheers erupted as soon as the NLEX Road Warriors retreated to their dugout at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
This as the Road Warriors extended their win streak to a record six games following a hard-earned 88-83 win over Converge in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Friday, May 23.
NLEX boasts a 6-1 mark for a share of the lead with Magnolia.
After posting its longest winning run in franchise history, would something big follow for NLEX?
It’s too early to tell, said Road Warriors chief tactician Jong Uichico.
After all, history suggests that a fiery start does not exactly translate to championships.
“I can’t say that. But kung mayroon man, it is showing good signs,” said Uichico.
“Too early to tell. Marami diyang nag-streak tapos faltered in the end."
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The Road Warriors are simply focused on improvements day in and day out.
“Basta kami tuluy-tuloy lang kami. We’re good. We’re playing well. Alam naman nating pagdating ng dikdikan, ibang usapan na 'yon," Uichico said.
This feat almost did not happen as the FiberXers slowly caught up after being down by as many as 58-76.
Converge even got to as close as 75-78 on Justin Arana’s putback with under nine minutes left to play.
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Fortunately for Uichico, he could always count on Robert Bolick to deliver in the clutch.
Bolick made a triple and a fadeaway jumper baseline — both shot clock-beating shots — and the Road Warriors did just enough to ward off Converge.
Uichico could not help but soak in the privilege of having a cager of Bolick’s caliber at his disposal.
“It’s a luxury for a coach to have somebody like Berto. When it’s nitty-gritty time, maasahan mo si Berto to make a great decision,” said the mentor of Bolick.
The NLEX sniper finished with a near triple-double of 19 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists. He also filled up the stat sheet with a steal and a block.
Xyrus Torres added 18 points, while Javee Mocon, who signed a one-year extension with the Road Warriors on Thursday, added 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.
While its usual contributors delivered big games, Converge still wound up absorbing its fourth loss in nine outings.
Justine Baltazar finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Alec Stockton had 17 points, six rebounds and three assists, and Schonny Winston added 16 markers.
NLEX vs. Converge scores:
NLEX 88 – Bolick 19, Torres 18, Semerad 10, Mocon 10, Bahio 9, Ramirez 8, Fajardo 6, Alas 5, Herndon 3, Nieto 0.
CONVERGE 83 – Baltazar 21, Stockton 17, Winston 16, Arana 12, Garcia 9, Delos Santos 3, Suerte 3, Corpuz 2, Racal 0, Nermal 0, Caralipio 0, R. Santos 0, B.Santos 0.
Quarterscores: 31-23, 52-42, 76-60, 88-83.