NLEX the giant-killer

For a team that started out like a wimp in the PBA bubble, NLEX has suddenly been transformed into a giant-killing fighting machine by coach Yeng Guiao. The Road Warriors got off to a poor 0-3 launch and lost four of their first five outings in the Philippine Cup, looking like a patsy that wouldn’t make it to the playoffs. But in a startling turnaround, NLEX is back on track as a quarterfinal contender, picking up two wins in a row over elite teams TNT and Rain or Shine.

In NLEX’ first game against Ginebra, J. R. Quiñahan was on the way to a record performance with 26 points when the axe fell. Quiñahan left in the third quarter with a flagrant foul penalty one and a technical. In the PBA, the combination is good for an ejection. The flagrant foul penalty one also meant a three-minute sit-out for Quiñahan in the first period. It’s a different situation in the NBA where there is no sit-out for a flagrant foul penalty one. The NBA also doesn’t combine a flagrant foul penalty one with a technical to merit an ejection although two flagrant fouls penalty one by the same player will cause an exit.

Without Quiñahan on the floor, NLEX bowed to Ginebra, 102-92. In the Road Warriors’ next contest, Quiñahan once again failed to finish on the court as he fouled out with teammates Kevin Alas and Tony Semerad. NLEX lost to Magnolia, 103-100 despite Kiefer Ravena coming off the bench to score 27. A 10-point setback to Blackwater extended NLEX’ skid to three straight defeats. Then came the first win of the season, a 102-88 thrashing of NorthPort with Ravena, Alas and Quiñahan winding up in double figures. More than the Road Warriors’ offense, Guiao had to be pleased with his team’s defense which limited the Batang Pier to 88. Two more losses to Meralco and Phoenix appeared to doom NLEX’ hopes for a playoff slot.

The breakthrough was shocking previously unbeaten TNT, 109-98 last Oct. 29. The Tropang Giga led the league in offense, averaging 107.6 points and was also No. 1 in two-point field goal accuracy at 58 percent. But NLEX held TNT to less than 100 points and 45.6 percent shooting from the field. Alas let loose with 24 points to lead the Road Warriors charge. NLEX had more rebounds, 56-40, second chance points, 20-9 and points in the paint, 60-46. Former NLEX center Poy Erram took the brunt of the Road Warriors’ ire as he was limited to nine points and three boards. On the flip side, former TNT forward Jericho Cruz erupted for 19 points while two other ex-TNT relievers Semerad and Michael Miranda combined for 15 points and nine rebounds. If revenge was a motivator, NLEX came out ahead in the payback stakes.

Yesterday, NLEX brought down another top-tier team. ROS checked in with a 4-1 record and was No. 1 in defense, allowing 80.8 points a game. But the Road Warriors were merciless in blasting the Painters, 94-74. Alas hit 18 points, Cruz 17 and Quiñahan 13 in the blowout. Guiao proved NLEX’ mettle in disposing of not only the PBA’s No. 1 offensive team but also its No. 1 defensive team. Against ROS, NLEX had more rebounds, 52-46, second chance points, 17-12 and points in the paint, 26-20. The Painters were held to only 32 percent shooting from the field. NLEX used the same formula in whipping TNT – secure the boards, dominate the paint and play hard-nosed defense. As usual, Miranda and Raul Soyud provided the muscle in the interior.

Because of the gruelling elimination grind, Guiao managed the minutes of his players against ROS. Alas and Cruz, for instance, played less than 20 minutes each. Philip Paniamogan, who didn’t play the last three games, logged 15:27 minutes as a starter and delivered five points and five rebounds. Little-used Paul Varilla got a second straight start. Rookie Mike Ayonayon was scoreless in 12:35 minutes but collected seven assists. Somehow, Guiao got his rotation going even with Kris Porter, Kenneth Ighalo and Asi Taulava not playing. That’s Guiao’s mastery at work.

Three games are left in NLEX’ schedule – San Miguel Beer tomorrow, Alaska on Monday and Terrafirma on Wednesday. The Road Warriors are No. 8 in the ladder at the moment with a 3-5 record. Depending on their coming performance and how the other teams fare, they could even sneak into the top four and gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters. If NLEX continues its hot streak, there’s no telling how far up Guiao’s team will go.