WHICH between streaking NLEX and Converge pass what promises to be a big test for both, would be answered Friday when they collide in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Road Warriors want to rack up a sixth straight win in seven games that would not only put them alongside idle leader Magnolia but also move them closer to clinching a spot in the eight-team quarterfinals following the 11-game eliminations.
For their part, the FiberXers are targeting a second straight win that would jack their record to 6-3 and also get one foot in to the next round.
"We will be ready for them. It will be a good game. I'm sure they will be ready for us," said Converge coach Franco Atienza following his team's 111-92 conquest of NorthPort a week ago.
"We will cherish that challenge, that game. It will be a nice game," added Atienza.
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Aside from his concerns with a Converge crew led by towering frontliners Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, also gnawing at NLEX coach Jong Uichico is the fact that his side has to take on defending champion Meralco just two days later.
"Mabuti medyo nakapuhunan, pero 'yung back-to-back games talagang it's a test," said Uichico after his side's 117-87 mastery of Terrafirma last May 14.
"Converge, playing very well, two big men, size, dominating talaga. Tapos game against Meralco, very cohesive unit kasi nag-champion na. So it's going to be a test for us, the next two games."
The Road Warriors have their own weapons, led by do-it-all Robert Bolick. But Uichico has also drawn some impressive and sometimes clutch performances from the likes of rookies Xyrus Torres, JP Bahio and Brandon Ramirez, as well as Javee Mocon, Anthony Semerad and Kevin Alas.
"Marami kaming pino-problema doon kasi they're playing as a team, as a unit. There's no one player na ma-si-single out mo doon, maraming personnel," noted Atienza. "Ang mas nakaka-worry doon is, they're playing as a team."
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How Uichico's small ball style holds up against Baltazar and Arana is also one question begging for an answer. The multi-titled tactician believes his players are up to the task.
"Maliit kami pero malaki puso," stated Yichico. "'Cause rebounding, I think, is other than technique... 'Yung gusto mong mag-rebound, eh. More effort rather than the technique side. It's just the double effort, the extra effort to try to get the ball."
One player who welcomes the challenge is Ramirez, a teammate of Baltazar and other current Converge players in their recent MPBL stint with Pampanga. "We've been a pretty good tandem together, especially in our playoff run, and now we get to compete at the highest stage here in the PBA," said the burly Fil-Canadian.
"So I'm looking forward to it and I'm pretty sure he's looking forward to it as well." (NC)
