Star, NLEX shoot for bounce back win

NLEX tries to rebound from a loss while Star hopes to finally break into the win-column as they slug it out in the PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena Wednesday.

The Road Warriors are coming off a 93-106 setback against the Meralco Bolts while the Hotshots have dropped their first two matches in the all-Filipino tourney versus the San Miguel Beermen (88-96) and the GlobalPort Batang Pier (84-91).

They square off at 7 p.m. in a game marked by a first face-off between coach Yeng Guiao and former ward Paul Lee with their new teams.

Both teams are hoping to get into the groove before being left way behind by the early frontrunners.

At 1-1, the Road Warriors can force a heavy logjam at second place with a win over the Star Hotshots. At second place with identical 2-1 marks are Rain or Shine, TNT KaTropa, Blackwater, Phoenix and titleholder San Miguel Beer.

NLEX got off to a winning debut with its new coach, topping Alaska Milk, 99-97, before suffering its defeat at the hands of Meralco.

Under Guiao, the Road Warriors have transformed to a running unit, just like the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Alaska Milk Aces.

The Star Hotshots, under coach Chito Victolero, have also been trying to play up-tempo with their guards-laden team but have yet to chalk up a win.

The NLEX-Star tiff will feature interesting matchups between Marc Pingris and Sean Anthony and among the two teams’ talented guards.

Lee, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon and PJ Simon will be pitted against Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete and Jonas Villanueva.

NLEX may miss second-string center Rico Villanueva for the rest of the tourney after suffering an MCL injury in their season debut.

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