NLEX hangs on at no. 8

Win over Eastern Nets Road Warriors sure rubber

MANILA, Philippines —  With the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals within sight, NLEX revved up and routed Eastern, 94-76, to hang on to No. 8 last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

As they ended the eliminations with three straight wins, the Road Warriors finished at 6-6 and assured themselves of at least a rubbermatch for a Last-8 ticket.

And if the stars align, this will even be converted to outright qualification if ninth-running Magnolia (5-6) fails to match their six Ws in the latter’s duel with Meralco tomorrow.

NLEX’ victory proved disastrous for the San Miguel Beermen, who at 5-7, unceremoniously relinquished the throne without getting past the preliminaries.

“If it’s an outright, fine. If it’s a knockout game, sige na,” said coach Jong Uichico, whose troops turned the campaign around with three straight wins.

“Two weeks ago, we were on the brink of elimination pero ngayon may tsansa (to make the quarterfinals), so we’ll take this.”

Interestingly, Uichico’s current team was the one which gave the boot to SMB, a squad he helped win six championships previously.

Asked about this, Uichico just smiled.

“I’m always glad to have a chance to get to the next round. How we get there, bahala na,” he said.

Robert Bolick, shrugging off an ankle sprain he sustained in the third, fired 21 and issued eight dimes as Javee Mocon (nine) and Jonnel Policarpio (nine) also helped out.

Later, Barangay Ginebra fended off an import-less but hard-fighting Meralco, 91-87, for 8-4. The Bolts, with Akil Mitchell sitting out due to back spasms, dropped to 7-4.