NLEX pulls off one ‘miracle’ after another

MANILA, Philippines — The pacesetting NLEX Road Warriors are fast becoming the “comeback team” of the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup, coming through with the most dramatic come-from-behind victories of the tournament on their way to the top.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s wards put their never-say-die spirit in full display last Sunday, fighting back from 26 points down to steal an 86-85 thriller over defending champion Magnolia in Antipolo for their fifth consecutive triumph and a league-leading and twice-to-beat-guaranteeing 8-1 card.

This the Road Warriors did 35 days after pulling off an equally spectacular heist from a 28-point deficit in Dubai, where they grabbed a 113-111 overtime squaker over the PBA’s original NSD team, Barangay Ginebra.

“Both wins seem like a miracle,” said Guiao after their second storybook fightback.

“Sometimes it’s okay to be lucky. But to pull through in those two games, behind by 20-plus points, almost given up, and still win, then do it twice, maybe it’s not just luck. We might be doing something right. Our competitive spirit may have a lot to do with it. 

“I think it’s the kind of character we need going to the tougher stage of this conference,” he added.

Missing the playoffs by much in the past two conferences, the revitalized Road Warriors have transformed into contenders in the season-ending tournament.