MANILA, Philippines – NLEX readies another strong defensive effort as it tries to inch closer to the top spot and an outright semifinal ticket in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at JCSGO Gym.
The Road Warriors gun for a ninth victory at 2 p.m. versus a Cebuana Lhuillier squad trying to fan its slim hopes of gaining the next round.
In the first game, Cagayan Valley seeks to boost its own quarterfinal bid versus the eliminated National U-Banco de Oro at 12 noon.
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez underscored the importance of their defensive game after his Road Warriors came back from 16 points down to stun last conference’s champion Blackwater Sports, 103-86, last Thursday.
“Our energy starts with our defense, especially our press,” said Fernandez.
The Road Warriors try to stretch their winning streak to six with Kevin Alas coming off his best outing yet this season as he unloaded 23 points off the bench against the Elite.
The Gems still hold a faint chance of advancing to the quarterfinals at 4-5 but must sweep their last four assignments.