Talk N’ Text faces ‘dangerous’ NLEX
NLEX is dangerous.
That’s the simple thought of Talk N Text coach Jong Uichico on the NLEX Road Warriors as their opponents in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
The Road Warriors can really be as dangerous as anybody can be following back-to-back losses — first in a close shave by the Star Hotshots, 95-97, then on a numbing rout by the Mahindra Enforcers, 93-103.
“They’re surely eager to get back on track. Nakakatakot kalaban,” said Uichico. Game time is at 7 p.m.
The Express came out strong in PBA Season 41, winning their first two games versus the Blackwater Elite (90-86) and the Barako Bull Energy (93-85) before being sidetracked by losses to the Hotshots and the Enforcers.
The Texters, meanwhile, dropped their initial game in the season versus the Alaska Milk Aces then strung up three straight wins over the Enforcers (101-97), the Meralco Bolts (105-91) and the Hotshots (91-86).
Uichico and his team also ride the crest of a perfect 3-0 record versus the Road Warriors in their personal battles. TNT swept NLEX in three games last season.
Uichico, however, insists NLEX is a different team in its second season in the local pro league.
The Road Warriors can really be dangerous if Asi Taulava and Sean Anthony find the needed help from their teammates.
Taulava (20.5 points and 13.0 rebounds) and Anthony (18 ppg and 14 rpg) average double-double numbers but the rest of the Road Warriors just can’t be consistent in providing support.
“If we play the way we played in the last two games, we will have a very long night,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
“TNT is currently one of the hottest teams plus we are facing a retooled TNT. We have to be solid,” Fernandez also said.
TNT is enjoying a lot more balanced game with at least seven players in Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Moala Tautuaa, Troy Rosario, Ryan Reyes and Harvey Carey churning out significant numbers. (SB)
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