A victory, at last.
After experiencing five straight setbacks, the once-struggling NLEX Road Warriors have finally made it back to the win column this Saturday night.
They accomplished the feat in impressive fashion, upsetting the highly-favored TNT KaTropa, 110-98, at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Pampanga.
And for head coach Yeng Guiao, the win is truly a sigh of relief for him and for the Road Warriors, who have improved their record to 2-5 and saved themselves from an early exit in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup.
“It’s a big relief after that five-game losing streak,” said Guiao moments after stunning the KaTropa, which took place in front of his fellow Kapampangans.
Guiao has every right to feel lighter, especially after the match, which saw a much-improved and a more settled Road Warriors who showed noteworthy upsides in this particular game alone — far different from their performances during the slump they weathered.
Looking back, NLEX’s skid started against Meralco last December 3. From there, losses against Star, Blackwater, San Miguel, and Rain or Shine soon followed, dropping their card to 1-5.
The slump was definitely a forgettable one for the Road Warriors. During that deluge, NLEX averaged just 86 points per outing, greatly under-performing on offense.
Their defense during that tough stretch also proved to be underwhelming. In all of those five matches, they allowed their opponents to pour in an average of 102.8 points against them.
But on Saturday night’s victory, all of those dismal norms shot up.
Tonight, the Road Warriors produced 110 points, their biggest production to date. Aside from improved scoring, they also moved the ball better this time, pulling 23 dimes — five times better than their 18.8 assists per game during the skid.
The improvements made by NLEX tonight are remarkable, as it serves as a sneak peek into what the young franchise can be once they have internalized Guiao’s effective system.
However, Guiao was quick to downplay all the possibilities and outcomes, pointing out that they have just earned a single win and that the conference still has a ways to go.
“Malayo pa. Isang panalo pa lang ‘to. We still need to keep improving. We still need to put in the elements of our system [and] our culture,” rued the 57-year-old mentor.
Nevertheless, the resounding victory over the perennial contenders serves as a good start for NLEX this 2017, and Guiao hopes for better results in the new year.
“It’s a good start for the new year. We’re hoping that this sets the tone for us for the rest of the year,” Guiao envisions.
