NLEX braces for killer stretch

Robert Bolick sets a new career-high 46 points. (PBA images)
There will be no rest for the weary as streaking NLEX is set to face tougher opponents in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup after the All-Star and Holy Week break.
Behind the consistently explosive showing of Robert Bolick, the Road Warriors have won four of their five games to sit at solo second spot in the standings.
But NLEX's road to a spot in the playoffs gets bumpier following a three-week respite.
"We just need two more wins to get the magic number 6 (wins). All our coming games are going to be tough," Bolick, who has been averaging an amazing 32.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
The Road Warriors, who are on a three-game winning roll, will take on Commissioner's Cup runner-up Magnolia on 6 April.
NLEX's challenging stretch includes a match against TNT in Candon, Ilocos Sur on 13 April, Phoenix on 20 April, defending champion San Miguel Beer on 28 April and Rain or Shine on 3 May.
It wraps up the elimination round in a clash with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on 5 May.
"Three San Miguel teams, Talk 'N Text then Phoenix and Rain or Shine. A difficult stretch by next month so we have to prepare hard. If we work as a team, we'll go deep," Bolick said.
The Road Warriors built a good foundation in their drive to the next round, beating NorthPort, Meralco, Converge and erstwhile undefeated Blackwater.
Bolick showed the way in those wins including a career-milestone 46 points in a 115-93 win over the FiberXers last Saturday.
It was also the San Beda University product that saved NLEX from the jaws of defeat in a 103-97 escape over the Bossing last Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City after draining crucial back-to-back treys with under 45 seconds left in the tight ballgame.
