Guiao still confident as NLEX’s first semis stint ‘builds up toughness’

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

NLEX coach Yeng Guiao just reminded his players to hold their heads high despite the Road Warriors’ exit in semifinals of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup on the heels of its 89-96 defeat to Magnolia on Tuesday.

“I think we have improved a lot,” said Guiao, whose team put up a tough stand against the Hotshots until the final buzzer in Game 6.

“We’re sad that we lost, but until the end, we fought. We lost Kevin (Alas), we lost JR (Quiñahan), but we still almost won. Under two minutes, we committed two crucial turnovers. But if not for that, we could’ve been in the game all the way until the last possession. But that’s the way it goes. We will be a better team with this experience.”

Guiao found consolation that it was the franchise’s  first semifinals appearance since its entry in 2014.

But with the success comes the heightened expectations but  multi-titled mentor expects the Road Warriors to be more than just a feel good story in the next conferences.

“You know you made the semis. Now, anything less than the semis will be a disappointment. You feel that you know what it takes to win it, so you feel you have a better chance, your confidence gets higher. It’s addicting,” he said.

Guiao, though, expects this core to perform better come the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with import Arnett Moultrie on his way.

“I feel that come next conference, we’ll be stronger. I think this has built up the toughness within this team. We already have the playoff experience as a group and it’s good to see them fighting with each other,” he said.

“Again, we already know the feeling, so we’ll try to get back here again and hopefully next time, we’ll be a bit more lucky.”