Things are not looking as bright for the NLEX Road Warriors as they had been prior to the start of the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Coming off a semifinals finish in the Philippine Cup, expectations were high for the Road Warriors. Even with Kevin Alas on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, many believed that they would shine with an import at hand.
However, NLEX accumulated four losses in a quick span of time. Compounding their problems now is the likelihood that they will lose their leading local scorer Kiefer Ravena due to an 18-month suspension slapped on him by the International Basketball Federation.
Wednesday evening, the Road Warriors were able to rally around each other, rallying back against the Blackwater Elite to take a 93-89 win.
“It’s a good thing we were able to set aside all the distractions before this game. We felt bad as a team, with the situation of Kiefer,” Guiao expressed. “Everybody knows he’s a key player in the team and his suspension has a profound effect.
“But our focus is now moving forward and moving on without Kiefer for the meantime, and just keeping ourselves in the race.
“So this win kinda puts a little hope in our quest for at least a chance at the quarterfinals. We’re trying to get something out of everybody. Pinipiga namin yung ibang hindi masyadong nakakalaro dati,” he added.
Despite getting good games from Juami Tiongson (10 points and 10 assists), Alex Mallari (10 points), Jansen Rios (eight points), and the rest of the Road Warriors, Guiao knows that he and his staff need to gather around and talk about their next move, as life without their two leading scorers will get tougher and tougher.
“Mahirap mag-survive without Kevin and Kiefer,” Guiao admitted.
“But we will talk to management, we will talk to the coaching staff and see how we can salvage the situation. Wala nga kaming plano pa.”
