NorthPort has beaten the top-seeded NLEX twice already this 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Batang Pier first conquered the Road Warriors last November 13 through a 102-94 decision that snapped the latter’s five-game winning streak, and then followed it up 12 days later with an impressive 115-90 victory.
The second win means plenty for them since it happened in the quarterfinals. That now moves them one step away from blowing NLEX’s twice-to-beat advantage to reach the semifinals, which they haven’t done since 2015.
“We’ve had two bad games against them. We need to get back our intensity. From the start, out-energized kami. Kitang-kita ‘yung intensity nila from the very beginning and hindi namin mahabol,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao.
“Hindi namin mapantayan ‘yung energy na ‘yun,” added the decorated tactician.
“It’s happened twice already.”
Kiefer Ravena agreed with Guiao. For him, this is a challenge for the Road Warriors — how will they match the NorthPort’s energy, which Ravena says is exemplified by Michael Qualls and Christian Standhardinger.
In Monday’s match, Qualls finished with a game-high 39 points on top of 16 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal. Meanwhile, Standhardinger contributed 24 markers, 13 boards, and three assists in over 39 minutes of play.
“Same thing with us, I guess, the same question. What can we do to match it — Christian and Qualls really showing a lot of energy. Mahirap kasi sa kanila, ang tagal nila naglalaro pero consistent ‘yung energy nila eh,” he said.
“Kami naman, back to the drawing board, try to figure another way to stop them.”
Monday’s blowout defeat marked NLEX’s third consecutive loss. And for Ravena, the Road Warriors now have to snap out of their funk, or else they might witness their season come to a bitter end this Wednesday.
“We have to wake up, shape up, and just try to grind this one out,” he said. “And then take a long break before going to the semifinals. I guess this is one type of game where you throw away the stats, throw away your standings.
“Just focus on the game plan and focus on what helps your team win.”
