NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao admitted he never thought that the Road Warriors would, one day, belong on top of the mountain of the season-ending 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
But they did just that on Wednesday evening after handing the struggling Rain or Shine Elasto Painters a harsh 111-91 beatdown to book their fourth consecutive win and go 7-1.
NLEX shares leadership of the standings with fellow 7-1 team TNT. The former, however, holds the tiebreaker due to the win-over-the-other rule — the Road Warriors beat the KaTropa, 126-113, last Friday.
“We never dreamt na makaka-number one kami at this point of the conference,” Guiao said.
“It’s a tie for number one, but since we have win over the other, we have the advantage.”
Even Kiefer Ravena admitted that it came as a surprise. The sophomore guard revealed that he and the team had set up modest goals for their campaign.
“Kami rin naman to be honest, kasi we started with short-term goals.
“During the start of the conference we had three straight games, then we had that Dubai trip. Our short-term goal was to go to Dubai with a 3-0 record, which we were able to accomplish.”
“Sa Dubai sabi namin ‘Let’s just try to get one out of the two’. Blessing in disguise na comeback win kami against Ginebra. Tapos slowly but surely, the confidence started to creep into us and continue to win one, win one,” he added, referring to their 113-111 win where they fought back from 28 down.
For Ravena, this feat is also a result of the team being as healthy as they can, as well as having an import in former NBA veteran Manny Harris who has jelled nicely with the Road Warriors.
“Swerte lang na healthy na lahat and we have a great import that really blends well in our system. We’re fortunate enough to be that way,” he said. “The momentum hopefully we carry it on.”
Still, the 26-year-old Ravena said that they should not settle, no matter how high their position is right now.
“We can’t be complacent. Ang goal talaga namin is to make the Finals and win the championship. We can’t be contented with the quarterfinals.”
