NLEX meets Meralco, targets Q ticket

Games today:

(Philsports Arena)

5 p.m. — Blackwater vs San Miguel

7:30 p.m. — NLEX vs Meralco

Streaking NLEX seeks to formalize its entry into the quarterfinals against defending champion Meralco in a marquee showdown in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Road Warriors are on a roll with a franchise-best six-game winning streak for a lofty spot in the standings with a 6-1 win-loss record.

Another victory in the scheduled 7:30 main game of the double-header playdate will secure NLEX a playoffs ticket.

But the Road Warriors are in for a long night facing a Bolts side desperate to collect as many wins as they can with the elimination round nearing its conclusion.

“We’re playing a champion team that needs a win, so we should be ready,” NLEX top gunner Robert Bolick said.

Bolick flirted with a triple-double in leading the Road Warriors in staving off Converge, 88-83, last Friday. He finished with 19 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds laced with one steal and one block for an all-around effort.

NLEX has been on a rampage since dropping a close decision in its debut against San Miguel Beer.

However, head coach Jong Uichico doesn’t want his team to get distracted from its main goal of advancing into the playoffs.

Meralco could give NLEX that tough challenge especially with the repeat-seeking squad languishing at the tail end of the top eight of the standings.

The Bolts carry a precarious 4-5 slate, leaving them in a must-win situation in their last two outings to secure at least a playoff for a quarters seat.

Forward Cliff Hodge is back to reinforce Meralco after serving a one-game suspension in the team’s 103-85 drubbing of Blackwater last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Beermen eye to draw closer to a playoffs berth against the Bossing at 5 p.m.

San Miguel holds a 5-2 mark while Blackwater fights for dear life with a 1-6 slate.