NLEX eyes title sweep vs Cebuana

MANILA, Philippines -  NLEX hopes to repeat over Cebuana Lhuillier as it shoots for a sweep and the championship today in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Road Warriors prevailed in a highly physical contest in the opener of their best-of-three series, scoring a 76-62 at The Arena in San Juan last Tuesday.

“We’re looking to win one more but we know it’s going to be a lot tougher,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

Game 2 is set at 3 p.m.

The Road Warriors used a stifling defense to neutralize the Gems’ shooters while coming up with a fluid offensive game anchored on Ronald Pascual and John Raymundo.

Fernandez said there would hardly be any change in their play patterns but warned his Warriors to be more focused and resolved as they anticipate a big Cebuana Lhuillier comeback.

“I have no doubt that coach Luigi (Trillo) will make the necessary adjustments. Cebuana is a strong team. They have the right tools to launch a comeback and tie the series. So we have to be prepared and be more focused,” Fernandez said.

Allein Maliksi, Cebuana Lhuillier’s top marksman, led all scorers with 21 but was held to just five in the first half when the Road Warriors took control.

Trillo, however, took notice of officiating in Game One that saw NLEX take 17 free throws in the first half. NLEX finished the game shooting 17 of 24 from the line while Cebuana Lhuillier went 11 of 13.

“The D-League refs have been allowing the whole season a lot of physicality. Why change it in the finals? What makes NLEX special going to the basket?” Trillo said.

But it was Cebuana Lhuillier’s Ariel Mepana, who actually escaped sanctions for his hard fouls on NLEX’s Calvin Abueva.

Mepana hit Abueva in the belly in the first half then hacked him in the neck minutes later before sneaking a solid punch that sent Abueva to the floor grimacing in pain.

But PBA commissioner Chito Salud ordered a review of the game tape and summoned Mepana to his office. Salud ruled that the punch that knocked down Abueva was a flagrant foul penalty 2 and penalized Mepana P7,400.

“It will be more physical in Game 2. But we will be prepared,” Fernandez said.