Mahindra, NLEX try to avoid last place
Fighting for pride, Mahindra and NLEX clash on Friday to escape the ignominy of ending the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at the bottom of the standings.
The two squads, which went on a significant rebuild in the offseason, seeks to get some semblance of hope as they finetune their locals while looking forward to the import-laden conferences.
For Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao, he’s hopeful that the dismal showing his crew had in this first conference together will serve as a lesson going forward.
“I think that’s always been part of the gauntlet that they have to go through with our culture. We’re trying to establish a culture, and mayroon talagang masasala,” he said.
Guiao has also hinted making moves during the conference break, and he looks at this final two games as a chance for his players to prove that they are worthy of their spot in NLEX.
“Itong mga players na ito, tinitingnan ko kung sino yung may puso na kaya yung pressure talaga at magpe-perform under pressure with the expectations that are put on their shoulders,” he said. “They should also perform with me yelling and cursing at them. So kapag nakapag-perform sila noon, that means karapat-dapat silang ma-retain sa team.”
Meanwhile, Mahindra coach Chris Gavina is positive that though there were slight hiccups along the way, there were silver linings he could look at as he eyes a better Commissioner’s Cup outing, especially with the emergence of Alex Mallari and LA Revilla’s inclusion to the new Gilas pool.
The Floodbuster and the Road Warriors part ways as they stake their identical 2-7 slates in the game which is set to tip off at 4:15 p.m. at Cuneta Astrodome.
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