Road Warriors get ‘newfound confidence’ after Asia League Super 8 stint

MACAU—NLEX isn’t done fighting in the Asia League Super 8, entering the semifinals after an 88-78 comeback win over one-time CBA champion Xinjiang Guangui Wednesday night.

With the Road Warriors positioning themselves for a possible title shot in the pocket tournament, head coach Yeng Guiao believes their stint here could be beneficial as they gear up for the upcoming 2018  PBA Governors’ Cup.

Guiao is eager to improve from their dismal 2-9 standing in the Commissioner’s Cup where they finished 11th with only Blackwater, who also competed in the Super 8, holding a worse 1-10 record.

“We came here to learn, of course, we want to win. We came here to win and gain experience,” said Guiao Thursday. “We are learning a lot of things and we are gaining a lot experience and at the same time we’re winning so it’s a double bonus for us.”

The Road Warriors were down 45-28 against the Flying Tigers, the 2017 CBA champions, but roared back in the third quarter with a blistering 22-4 run to take a 55-53 lead.

NLEX continued to push in the fourth quarter with 85-73 advantage off a 14-5 run to ultimately put the game away.

And behind NLEX’ surprise comeback were unheralded names who are trying to make a name in the PBA.

Mark Tallo inspired the Road Warriors with 12 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, while Kenneth Ighalo did his work with 17 points and four rebounds.

Jansen Rios also had his moment under the sun with eight points.

“It’s a revelation for guys like Mac, Jansen, and Iggy,” said Guiao. “I think we’ll go back to Manila with a newfound sense of confidence that against the odds, the bigger teams, more experienced teams in international play.”

“This team, this isn’t a pushover team in their league, we’re the pushover team in the PBA. That says a lot not just for our team but the brand we play in the PBA. It’s a good comparison that we aren’t lagging behind the best teams in Asia with the CBA and KBL.”