NLEX tries to stoke its bid for legitimacy when it battles Star in a game that could spell their top four bids in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A win may not be enough for either the Road Warriors or Hotshots since their inclusion in the magic circle, and the twice-to-beat advantage that goes with the finish, also depends on the results of the other teams contending for the slots.
Ginebra and TNT, plus Blackwater and Rain or Shine are set to duel Saturday while San Miguel Beer and Meralco collide later Sunday in what should help decide their own fates, plus those of NLEX and Star.
Still, the Road Warriors and Hotshots are bent on taking care of their end of the bargain.
"Very crucial for us and NLEX," said Star coach Chito Victolero of the game that comes barely two days after his team stoked its chances with a 128-81 drubbing of Kia.
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"That's our only shot para magkaroon pa kami ng chance for the top four. Ganoon din sa NLEX. I think magandang game iyan."
Victolero admitted his team has no control over the other games and the effect those results may have on his team's ultimate placing after the 11-game eliminations.
"Kung manalo kami that's the time we'll try to compute kung ano mangyayari sa amin," stated Victolero. "The only thing we can do is prepare hard to win. The important thing is to get the 'W' on Sunday."
The stakes are higher for NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, whose team finished dead-last in its first two conferences with him at the helm but surprised everybody with its strong showing, at least in the elims of the season-ending tourney.
"Must win for us," said Guiao. "No win, no twice-to-beat.
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"Their import is getting the hang of it. That makes it even harder for us to close out the elims with a win. But this is also the time to prove ourselves. I believe we are very close to breaking out as a contender in this league. Beating Star takes us a step closer to that objective."
Guiao's main concern is Kristofer Acox, who has seemingly began blending well with his teammates and adjusting to the PBA style of play. After debuting with 18 points and as many rebounds in a loss to TNT, the Icelander notched 19 and 15 in only three quarters against Kia.
Ian Sangalang, Jio Jalalon, Justin Melton, Mark Barroca and Marc Pingris also played well against the Picanto and should have enough momentum left over.
Aside from being well-rested following a 107-112 loss to TNT last Sept.13, NLEX's arsenal is as well stocked.
Aaron Fuller himelf is no slouch, averaging 25 points and 19 rebounds an outing with the likes of Kevin Alas, JR Quinahan, Alex Mallari, Larry Fonacier and Cyrus Baguio ready to step in.
