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NLEX vows to seize chance as QF hopes remain alive


At one point in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, NLEX was almost on the brink of elimination as it absorbed its fifth straight loss to claim a 3-6 win-loss card last January 15.

Two weeks later, the Road Warriors remained alive as they secured at least a playoff for a spot in the quarterfinals. 

For the Road Warriors, however, every chance that will be given to them is important as they continue their journey in the conference.

"We'll take this, basta may tsansa kami," head coach Jong Uichico said. 

"Two weeks ago, we were on the brink of elimination, pero ngayon may tsansa kami, so we'll take this."

NLEX on Wednesday took down guest team Hong Kong Eastern, 94-76, and improved to 6-6. The Road Warriors are currently eighth in the standings, but their entry to the quarterfinals depends on Friday's games.

Magnolia (5-6) will face Meralco (7-4), while Rain or Shine (6-5) will go against TNT (8-3). A Meralco win against Magnolia will outright hand NLEX a quarterfinals spot.

Despite being assured of at least one more game, whether a playoff spot or an outright quarterfinals berth, Robert Bolick said he would not let go of the opportunity given to them, especially after overcoming a tough stretch in the conference.

"Isipin mo, bagsak na kami, 3-6 na kami. And out of nowhere, nanalo kami," Bolick said.

"Tinatalo namin mga malalakas na team. Kaya pala namin mag-compete. Doon pumasok sa isip namin na kaya talaga eh," he added.

"So, focus lang kami, next game lang. Do-or-die na lahat. Noong 3-6, do-or-die na. So, ito, do-or-die na rin. Sana makapasok kami, bigyan kami ng opportunity makapasok sa playoffs.

But aside from boosting its postseason chances, the NLEX victory also decided the fate of another team — the San Miguel Beermen.

For the first time in a decade, the Beermen were booted out of contention.

"Sa tagal-tagal ko dito sa PBA, ilang beses ko nakalaban 'yung San Miguel sa quarters, bihira man kami [makapanalo], dahil pa sa'min kaya nalaglag [sila]. Masaya naman na at least. Ganoon ang nangyari. May chance pa kami," Bolick said.

"Dasal na lang kami sa Friday na matalo 'yung dapat matalo," the NLEX star added in jest.

The situation may also seem ironic for Uichico, who led San Miguel to six PBA titles. But for what it's worth, Uichico said he was just glad for NLEX to be given another chance to advance.

"I'll always be glad to have a chance to get to the next round. How we get there, bahala na. Basta I like that opportunity that we can always get to the next round," the NLEX coach said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News

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