RIDING its best run in franchise history, NLEX aims to continue its rampage as it shoots for a commanding 2-0 lead against Magnolia in their best-of-seven semifinal series in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Game 2 is scheduled today at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with the Road Warriors having the chance to reach even greater heights.
NLEX took the series opener Saturday night by the slimmest margins, 88-87, to make more heads turn.
Alex Mallari exacted revenge over his former team, hitting clutch shots down the stretch to lift his team to the win.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao is thrilled about his team’s play and insisted how his wards are enjoying their current level of success.
“We’re just in this for the ride. We’re enjoying our adventure,” said Guiao, whose squad is enjoying its first-ever semis stint in franchise history.
While the Hotshots are looking to equalize, they need to do it without their veteran leader.
Marc Pingris went down with a knee injury late in Game 1 and it is still questionable if he can make it back in the series.
Magnolia needs Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Ian Sanggalang and Peter June Simon to step up for it to avoid a huge 0-2 hole.
As of this writing, defending champion San Miguel is also gunning for a 2-0 edge over Barangay Ginebra in their own semis clash.