Road Warriors fancied over Freego five
MANILA, Philippines - Foundation Cup champion NLEX and Freego Jeans clash today in Game One of their PBA D-League Aspirants Cup best-of-three titular showdown at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Although he expects a tough series against the Jeans Makers, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez has promised to get the job done no matter how long it takes.
“I don’t care whether it takes two or three games, as long as we win the championship, that’s fine with me,” said Fernandez after the Road Warriors dispatched Big Chill, 89-60, in the deciding game of their semifinal duel on Tuesday.
Game One of the best-of-three finale is set at 3 p.m. with the Jeans Makers raring to defy the odds.
“It’s impossible for us to match up with their size and athleticism. But if we can execute well on both ends, anything can happen,” said Freego Jeans coach Leo Austria.
With their deep bench, the Road Warriors present match-up problems for the Jeans Makers.
“Every team has its strong and weak points, we just have to be ready every game,” Fernandez said.
During their only meeting in the elimination round, NLEX routed Freego Jeans, 76-59.
Austria hopes their familiarity with each other can make up for their deficiencies.
Eight of Freego Jeans’ players – Lionel Manyara, Lester Alvarez, Eric Camson, Rodney Brondial, Roider Cabrera, Janus Lozada, Alex Nuyles and Ryan Monteclaro – have been under Austria in the UAAP in the last four years.
“Their chemistry and their familiarity with each other makes them tough. So we should play smart,” Fernandez said.
Source: http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=69&articleid=773577&keyword=sp_pba
