Jonel Policarpio (with the ball) is gradually finding his place in the framework of NLEX. —PBA images
NLEX handed Phoenix the win Sunday night. This victory could very well be a necessary springboard for the challenges ahead.
Currently sitting at 4-6, the Road Warriors will be going through the proverbial “eye of the needle” in their bid to advance to the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
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That means John Witschko’s side will need to win their remaining two elimination games, Saturday’s game against Rain or Shine and Wednesday’s game against Guest Club Hong Kong, to have any chance of fighting for a playoff spot. It means that you need to do it. The day will be hectic, with three teams jostling for third place, with Elasto Painters, Barangay Ginebra, and San Miguel Beermen rounding out the remaining three teams in the top eight.
“I know some [things] It will be under our control. And some people don’t,” the multi-titled coach said shortly after NLEX won the Fuel Masters in Antipolo City, 108-94. “Still, like I said, no matter how far the goal seems, we still have a chance. That’s our mindset going into the next game.”
6th pick
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Top Gun’s Robert Borick Jr. and role players Tony Semerad and Robbie Herndon have been playing well of late, and rookie Jonelle Policarpio seems to be playing more and more at home, with two crucial games in the works. Things are looking up for the Road Warriors up front.
Policarpio, the No. 6 overall pick in the last rookie draft, had 17 points, nine rebounds and one steal to help NLEX, one of the teams that drew the most attention in the first half of the import showcase, end a five-game slump. helped stop it.
Tuesday’s game
“Poli is a learner. Initially he played with four [position]. Now he’s playing with three. He’s starting to get used to playing two positions. He was new and needed time. that would be unfair [to judge his game early] When he was playing in different positions,” Uichiko said of his ward.
“Give him time to adjust, but he’s a big learner, so we know he’ll adjust as the season and conference progresses.”
The former La Salle standout coming off the shelf could be the extra boost NLEX needs to get through a treacherous schedule, but this is not a predicament unique to the Road Warriors.
On Tuesday, Blackwater (2-8) and Phoenix (3-7) will square off at Ynares Center on the Hill, with both teams hoping to upset the race for a spot in the bottom half of the quarterfinals. But after a tangle of games between North Port (7-3) and San Miguel (4-5) later that evening, the outcome of that game may matter little hours later.
Batan Pier has been in the top tier of the conference for some time now and is looking to strengthen its bid to defend it twice. Meanwhile, Biermann hopes to improve his record and avoid an embarrassing playoff absence.
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A traditional powerhouse that leads the league in most championships won (29), San Miguel last missed the playoffs after the Commissioner’s Cup in 2015, and by the end of the repechage, San Miguel had become a crowd darling and corporate champion. They finished ninth behind their brothers, the Gin Kings. INQ
