#PBA2015 PREVIEW: NLEX ROAD WARRIORS vs PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS – BREAKTHROUGH vs BREAK IN

NLEX is looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to the Alaska Aces in their second game of the conference, while Purefoods is hoping to break its new import, Daniel Orton, in and show him the PBA ropes.

The Road Warriors played the Aces tough in their previous game, but a controversial non-call in the dying seconds paved the way for Alaska to snare that W. NLEX should be extra-motivated in this game, which should prove to be an acid test for former NBAer Al Thornton.

Purefoods, meanwhile, is coming off a rousing win over the Elite as the Hotshots’ superb subs contributed heavily and helped the defending champs continue winning to start this conference. On paper, NLEX should prove to be a tough customer, though, so the Hotshots cannot take this game lightly.

Here are some things to look at in this game:

1. THORN ON THE OPPONENTS

In their previous game, the Road Warriors saw their import, former NBA player Al Thornton, explode for 39 points. He shot really well from the field and was hardly unstoppable, until the last play where his drive to the basket went nowhere and no foul was called. Look for Thornton to continue being aggressive in this game to make up for that loss.

Vs ALA: 39pts, 13rebs, 12/20 FGs, 3 triples, 12/14 FTs.

2. CANALETA COMES ALIVE

For the most part of this season, KG Canaleta has been playing below his potential. The former UE star is known as one of the best stretch-forwards in the league, but his play has been up-and-down so far. That changed against Alaska, where Canaleta connected four times from beyond the arc en route to 16 points in only 17 minutes of action. If he can catch fire again in this encounter, then NLEX may yet upset the defending conference champs.

Season stats: 7.7ppg, 1.4 triples per game, 30.8 3pt%

Vs ALA: 16pts, 4 triples, 50.0 3pt%

3. SUPPORT CAME UP SHORT

Another big reason NLEX came up short against Alaska was the fact that outside of Thornton and Canaleta, nobody else scored in double-figures. The other four starters combined to put up just 18 points, with Aldrech Ramos’s 9 points the highest point total outside of Canaleta and Thornton. Without a doubt, NLEX will need its veterans, notable Asi Taulava, and Mac Cardona, to be more productive starting in this game.

Ramos + Taulava + Cardona combined scoring this season: 40.4ppg

Ramos + Taulava + Cardona combined scoring last game: 18pts

4. BULLIED IN THE BOX

Strangely enough, NLEX was also bullied in the paint by Alaska. The Road Warriors were outscored by the Aces, 58-26, in the box, with Vic Manuel and DJ Covington leading the way. With a center like Asi Taulava and other lengthy guys like Ramos and Mark Borboran, NLEX should be a little tougher inside, but this will be tested in this game, especially since Purefoods will be parading its new import, 6’10 Daniel Orton.

Pts in the Paint: ALA 58, NLX 26

5. IMPORT WATCH: DANIEL ORTON

Speaking of Orton, the 6’10 former Kentucky Wildcat will finally make his PBA debut in this game. He is described as a solid inside operator with a long wingspan, but sometimes his decision-making is in question. His passing seems to be his weakest area, but he can score well around the basket, rebound, and block shots. He should give NLEX’s frontline a tough night.

Stats with Sichuan Blue Whales (CBA): 14.3ppg, 9.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6bpg, 1.1spg, 51.3 FG%

6. SAKURAGI MODE

Orton will get a lot of help inside from Gilas Pilipinas PF Marc Pingris, who unloaded a great game against the Blackwater Elite. Pingris wa sin Sakuragi-mode in that game, scoring well and rebounding well, too. If he can continue to be efficient this conference, he would be a great complement to Orton’s commanding presence inside.

Season stats: 9.8ppg, 7.4rpg, 52.6 FG%

vs BLA: 14pts, 7rebs, 54.5 FG%

7. HOTSHOT PRINCE.
   

Another guy who did well for Purefoods was Mark Barroca. Once again, Barroca played off the bench, but he was spectacular, scoring 13 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and handing out 4 assists. He was just all over the place for the Hotshots. He was a big reason the Purefoods bench outscored their Blackwater counterparts, 41-28. If he can bring the same production here, NLEX will be in big trouble.

Season stats: 11.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, 40.3 FG%

vs BLA: 13pts, 5rebs, 4asts, 62.5 FG%

8.  RUN N GUN

Purefoods was just awesome in transition against Blackwater, outscoring them in fastbreak points, 21-2. Of course, this was an offshoot of the Hotshots’ forcing 19 turnovers from the Elite. If coach Tim Cone’s wards can keep this up, they will be in a great position to win this game.

Fastbreak PTS: PUR 21, BLA 2

PUR is #1 team in fastbreak pts right now with 17.7 per game. 

NLEX is the #1 in fastbreak defense, though, allowing only 3.5 per game, so this will be an interesting thing to watch.

9. SUPER SUBS

Barroca was not the only bench player to put up great numbers against Blackwater.  Super subs like Justin Melton and Allein Maliksi also came to play, with each scoring a dozen markers. That pair combined to shoot 10/13 from the field, effectively outplaying their overmatched Blackwater counterparts. Against an NLEX bench that is not known for its depth, look for the Purefoods reserves to have a field day again.

Melton + Maliksi: 24pts, 10/13 FGs, 3rebs, 3asts, 4stls

        10. GUNNING FOR RESPECT

After that one-point loss to Alaska, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez feels that his boys have yet to earn the respect of the PBA’s game officials. In a news article (GMA Network) released recently, he said:

“Probably they still don’t respect NLEX; probably I need to gain respect from them so I can get calls.” 

“I watch all games, I scouted all games, the respected coaches were shouting the refs, and no warnings, no everything like that. Kami konting kanti, konting complains, kino-call kami.”

The best way to earn respect? Win. And they can start winning tonight against Purefoods.

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