NLEX looks to snap Alaska’s streak

Like the rest of the field, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez has always kept close tabs on the opposition and he is especially wary of Alaska.

The reason is because Fernandez knows his Road Warriors have their work cut out for them when they tangle with the fully-charged Aces Friday in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska is gunning for a third straight win that would vault it into solo leadership while NLEX is out to foil that bid and, at the same time, climb up to third in case Rain or Shine loses to Barako Bull later in the evening.

Fernandez knows his team will have its hands full.

“This will be a tough one,” said Fernandez before enumerating the reasons for such a statement.

“Alaska is one of the top teams in the PBA right now. Number 1 in points made (103.5), No. 2 in assists (21.3), fastbreak points (16.1) and field goal percentage (45).”

At the same time, the Aces seem all primed up to stretch their roll after dismantling GlobalPort to the tune of 123-104 and outlasting Star 107-102, the latter just last Tuesday, no little thanks to bunch of determined players who have taken turns stepping up on both ends of the court.

“We will have to play excellent defense if we want to give our team a chance to win,” said Fernandez. “We have to limit (Vic) Manuel, (Calvin) Abueva, (Jayvee) Casio, (Sonny) Thoss, (Cyrus) Baguio and (Dondon) Hontiveros of their point production.”

NLEX sure is equipped to stifle the Aces.

In their first six games the Road Warriors have limited their opponents to an average of 93.8 points and have the double-double machines of Asi Taulava and Sean Anthony towing the likes of Jonas Villanueva, Kevin Alas and rookie Simon Enciso to a clip of just over 95 points.

There’s one more thing Fernandez wants. “Offensively, we have to take care of the ball because Alaska is No. 1 in forcing turnovers (20.8). It is also well-coached,” he said.

“But we are ready.”

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