NLEX vies in Macau tilt

After bombing out of contention in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, NLEX will hit the road anew as it competes in the Summer Super 8 Tournament in Macau.

Nigerian-Canadian reinforcement Oluseyi Ashaolu will be at the helm when the Road Warriors clash with other prominent clubs in Asia like the Samsung Thunder and ETLAND Elephants of Korea, Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka of Japan, Formosa Dreamers of Taiwan, Guangzhou Long Lions and Xianjiang Guanghi Flying Tigers of China in the prestigious tourney set from July 17 to 22 at the Macao East Asian Games Dome.

Another PBA club – Blackwater – also confirmed its entry after getting the boot in the ongoing tourney.

Road Warriors’ coach Yeng Guiao said the goal of their participation is to avenge their Commissioner’s Cup setback while preparing for the Governor’s Cup, where Ashaolu will serve as their reinforcement.

“We’re starting early,” Guiao said following their 89-116 setback to Magnolia last Wednesday.

“We’re probably the earliest team that is going to prepare for the third conference.”

NLEX’s early exit was a major surprise as it came off an impressive run in the Philippine Cup.

Guiao admitted that a lot of factors happened along the way, including the suspension of Kiefer Ravena and injury of Kevin Alas.

“I’m disappointed this conference, but there were things that we couldn’t control,” he said. “It’s quite disappointing because we know we can play better.”

“That’s why we’re competing in a tournament abroad. We want to get better as a team and play in different situations and conditions.”

Ashaolu arrived early and already played in their last game against Magnolia where he delivered with 31 points and 12 rebounds.

Unfortunately, the Road Warriors lost to close their campaign with a 2-9 win-loss mark.