WEEKS back, NLEX was on the brink of the quarterfinals and in contention for a Top 2 finish.
But with four straight losses, the Road Warriors are suddenly on a tight spot, needing to win their final game in the eliminations or will face the specter of figuring in a knockout setto to make the PBA Philippine Cup Last Eight.
It's NLEX versus Barangay Ginebra at 6:15 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to close out the one-round-robin elims phase.
A win by the Road Warriors will save them from a disastrous finish and land them a place in the middle of the pack at 6-5.
For the Gin Kings, it's just about preserving their run and the momentum they can ride on in the playoffs.
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Crucial losses by TNT, NLEX and Magnolia in their recent outings gave coach Tim Cone and his troops a safe passage into the Top 2.
Actually, there's still the possibility of Magnolia catching Ginebra at second place at 7-4. But in that scenario, the Kings still claim second spot and the twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule.
For the Gin Kings topped Magnolia, 87-77, in the most recent Manila Clasico duel.
Nevertheless, the Gin Kings aren't expected to go easy against Robert Bolick and his teammates.
NLEX coach Frankie Lim himself isn't expecting a free ride.
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The challenge for the Road Warriors is to be ready for their biggest fight of the tourney.(SB)
