For all its firepower, NLEX found the going tough in its first two outings.
That’s not about to change today when the Road Warriors shoot for their third victory against dangerous Junior Powerade in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
“We must not be complacent,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez on the eve of their clash with Tigers. “This team has just beaten a pretournament powerhouse. We have to stay with our system if we want to win.”
The Road Warriors pulled through against Big Chill and RnW Pacific Pipes, but the Tigers are also coming into the game oozing with confidence after a stunning 84-79 win over Blackwater Sports last Tuesday.
The Road Warriors and the Tigers meet at 2 p.m after the showdown between winless squads Boracay Rum and RnW Pacific Pipes.
Cebuana Lhuillier, seeking a second victory, slugs it out with Café France at 4 p.m. in the final game of a three-game bill.
The Gems, who overpowered the Waves, 70-58, are fancied to overcome the Steelmasters.
Center Ian Sanggalang and power forward Calvin Abueva remain doubtful for NLEX as they are still playing for San Sebastian in an invitational tournament. But Cliff Hodge and Chris Ellis are still around to banner the Road Warriors’ bid along with Garvo Lanete and Kirk Long.
Meanwhile, Hodge, Lanete, Jaypee Belencion, Woody Co and Borgy Hermida have been summoned by PBA commissioner Chito Salud to give their side on the fighting incident that marred the NLEX-PC Pipes game Thursday.