What was once a conference full of hope turned into a nightmare for NLEX.
Entering the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as the top seed with a 10-2 record, the Road Warriors quickly fell back to earth against Bol Bol and the TNT Tropang 5G.
After dropping Game 1 in a close 96-93 loss last Wednesday, NLEX’s campaign officially ended on Saturday with a 118-112 defeat, despite Bol dealing with early foul trouble.
Jong Uichico admitted he was outclassed by Chot Reyes throughout the series.
“I mean, ang daming weapon against us. Maraming napupuntahan ng Talk N Text talaga. I was outcoached by Chot trying to find those mismatches,” said the nine-time PBA champion coach.
“We had no solution. (Roger) Pogoy, (Calvin) Oftana, (Rey) Nambatac… so mayroong counter sa lahat. That’s why ganoon. Lamang by almost twenty, humabol lang nung huli pero wala na ‘yun. Kami naman, I think we scored enough to win the game, but if the score is that way, hindi kami mananalo.”
A major factor in NLEX’s struggles was TNT’s ability to contain ace guard Robert Bolick.
Coming into the playoffs averaging 20.5 points and 8.8 assists, Bolick was limited to just 15.5 points and 5.0 assists. He also had four total turnovers in the series.
(C) PBA Images
“Siyempre, well, in the first game, siyempre na-foul trouble siya and it limited his minutes. Nagiging double yung trabaho niya because he has to score and defend at the same time. Dun kami nagkaproblema,” said Uichico.
“Medyo nagkayod siya sa series na ‘to.”
Despite the disappointing finish, Uichico remains optimistic and is choosing to build on what NLEX accomplished in the elimination round.
For the veteran coach, finishing second in the Philippine Cup elimination round and securing the top seed in the Commissioner’s Cup are positives to build on, especially with a young core heading into the Governors’ Cup.
“There’s always something positive to think about. If we can remain consistent this way, sooner or later, makaka-advance din kami sa semis. If we are consistent in the top four, there’s something… We’re getting stronger, or we are doing something correct,” he said, as NLEX also holds two first-round picks in the 2027 PBA Draft.
“Hopefully, if we are consistent in the top four, then makakaahon kami sa ganitong sitwasyon.”
