EJ CAMSON (left) of NLEX and Pari Llagas of Blackwater dispute the rebound in their previous match. Contributed photo/Nuki Sabio
Blackwater Sports tries to bring the same fearless attitude it showed in its huge Game 1 upset when the Elite go for a championship sweep of the NLEX Road Warriors today in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“I’ve been telling my players that they (Road Warriors) are also human and we can match up with them,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac. “So we just have to be disciplined and give the extra effort.”
The Elite try to end the reign of the Road Warriors—the only champion squad the PBA D-League has known in two years—in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals at 3 p.m.
But the Road Warriors, who swept the finals series of the last four tournaments, are similarly confident of pushing the title playoffs to a deciding game despite the pressure of rebounding from their first finals loss.
“We just lost Game 1 but it isn’t over yet,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “They still have to beat us one more game. We just have to bring the right mindset and attitude if we intend to extend the series.”
Drawing big games from Kevin Ferrer and Allan Mangahas, the Elite shocked the Road Warriors, 70-67, last Thursday.
“I’ve been telling them that what we’re doing is no different, we just happened to be in the finals,” said Isaac. “So, all we have to do is condition our minds that we can beat them.”
Ferrer showed endgame poise in the opener and Mangahas also came out with another all-around performance of 16 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals.
“We didn’t match their energy,” rued Fernandez.
The Road Warriors, who topped the eliminations and swept the semifinals, hope to regain their form with Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, RR Garcia, Garvo Lanete and Jake Pascual.
Isaac, though, thinks his underrated crew that also includes Justin Chua, Pari Llagas Rob Celiz and Gio Ciriacruz can pull off another stunner.
“We hope to finish it,” said Isaac.