Angeles City—To a large extent, it was a “home” game for coach Yeng Guiao and the NLEX Road Warriors against TNT Katropa at the Angeles University Foundation Gym last Saturday.
Guiao’s roots and political career are based in these parts where life is savored with great meals and lively banter.
On the way here, NLEX boards with Guiao’s sideline mien and a greeting that all are friends in this town are all around.
But more than the homecoming angle, the Road Warriors had to arrest a five-game slide that seems understandably part of the team’s acquaintance party with Guiao’s basketball system.
After an initial overtime win against Alaska, NLEX couldn’t get going and lost five straight against opponents by an average of 16.8 points per game.
One loss at Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro had San Miguel hitting almost every attempt while the Road Warriors could not hit the bulls’ eye even with good looks at the basket.
NLEX finally savored its second triumph, a 110-98 win anchored on Carlo Lastimosa’s 22 points.
But more than keeping their quarterfinal chances alive, the Road Warriors gave a glimpse of what kind of team they could be under Guiao.
They have veterans in Sean Anthony, Jonas Villanueva, Mac Baracael, Asi Taulava and Enrico Villanueva.
There’s a youth compliment with Lastimosa, Emman Monfort, Kevin Alas, Jensen Rios, Bradwyn Guino, Alfonso Gotladera and Eric Camson.
Like most Guiao teams of the past, they have the potential to improve and compete with the other PBA teams.
Two trademarks of Guiao teams are currently in development: A running game and the absence of fear to take open shots, regardless of position a player is accustomed to.
How far this win in Angeles will spur the Road Warriors in its next games remains to be seen.
It will definitely need mixing all the ingredients together correctly like any sumptuous Kapampangan dish.