Streaking NLEX shoots for joint 2nd

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX tries to sustain its win run as it takes on a surging Cagayan Valley today even as Jumbo Plastic shoots for a share of second against Hog’s Breath in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the JCSGO gym in Cubao, QC.

Winners of their first four games, the Road Warriors, however, will be setting out in their 2 p.m. encounter with the Rising Suns minus their top stars and coach, who are in the US as part of the San Beda Red Lions’ buildup for this year’s NCAA wars.

Still, NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez remains confident of his wards’ chances.

“I believe coach Mon (Celis) is up to the challenge and the rest of the team will step up in our absence,” said Fernandez who left two Saturdays ago with his San Beda team to train in Lithuania.  

Celis actually won his first game as interim coach last Tuesday, guiding the Road Warriors to an 88-67 blowout over the Café France Bakers.

In other games, Jumbo Plastic goes for its third win in four games for joint second with idle Cebuana Lhuillier as it playas struggling Hog’s Breath at 12 noon while Blackwater Sports faces winless Derulo Accelero in the 10 a.m. opener.

“Our key players are stepping up and RayRay (Parks) coming in at this point in time is a big lift for the team,” said Celis, referring to the top National U standout and former UAAP MVP.

But the Rising Suns are coming off back-to-back wins after dropping their first two games, further boosting their confidence as they try to accomplish what four other teams before them had failed to achieve.