NLEX aims to build on their surprising victory over San Miguel Beer last Saturday, while Barangay Ginebra looks to bounce back from a recent defeat as the Road Warriors and the Kings take center stage in the much-anticipated return of the PBA Governors’ Cup to the Big Dome on Tuesday.
Coach Jong Uichico’s squad and Coach Tim Cone’s team will clash at 7:30 p.m., each striving to enhance their standings in Group B, which is currently led by the unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who sit at an impressive 4-0.
The Road Warriors have positioned themselves at 3-1 after their thrilling 112-108 overtime triumph over the Beermen during their road match at the Aquilino Pimentel Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro.
In contrast, the Gin Kings find themselves at 1-2, having secured a narrow win against the Beermen (108-102) while enduring setbacks against the Elasto Painters (64-73) and the Blackwater Bossing (88-95).
NLEX is off to a promising start under their new coach, who is benefiting from the dynamic performances of import Myke Henry and local star Robert Bolick.
During the match in CDO on Saturday, it wasn’t just the standout duo making waves. Jhan Nermal, Richie Rodger, and Robbie Herndon stepped up in the overtime period, continuing the momentum initiated by Mike Miranda in the fourth quarter and keeping the Road Warriors on track.
Their previous victories include dominant wins over Blackwater (104-87) and Phoenix Super LPG (100-95).
Conversely, the Kings are grappling with a rocky start, a challenge to be expected as the team seeks to regain its rhythm following the exits of Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle, along with the integration of new players such as Stephen Holt.
The unexpected seven-point loss to the Bossing was particularly disheartening.
Justin Brownlee and his teammates are now eager to respond quickly, having demonstrated their resilience previously against San Miguel following a loss to Rain or Shine.