Road Warriors go for sweep vs Freego 5

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX goes for a sweep not only of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup but the first two tournaments of the fledgling league as it takes on Freego Jeans in Game Two of their best-of-three series at The Arena in San Juan City today.

The Road Warriors routed the Jeans Makers, 75-51, in the opener of their title series last Thursday and are heavily favored to score a repeat in their 3 p.m. encounter.

“We are determined to end it today,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernadez, who however, expects Game 2 to be a lot more interesting.

“They were just out-of-sync in Game 1. But I’m sure they will make adjustments. This series is far from over, so he have to be ready,” Fernandez said.

San Sebastian standout Ian Sangalang led the NLEX attack with 20 points on an impressive nine of 14 shooting. He also had eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal while RR Garcia had 19 points and five assists.

Fil-Am Cliff Hodge, member of the national team that won the gold medal in last year’s SEA Games, lorded it over the boards with 15 rebounds.

NLEX, which beat Cebuana Lhuillier to claim the inaugural Foundation Cup crown last year, has beaten Freego Jeans twice this conference with the Road Warriors winning via routs.

Freego Jeans coach Leo Austria, however, vowed to fight back although he has conceded his chargers are overmatched in the series.

  “We can’t match-up with them (Road Warriors) in terms of individual skills and athleticism,” said Austria.

“We’re simply overmatched and the only chance we’ve got is to match their intensity, play smart and play with a lot of hustle. If we could do that, we might have a chance,” added Austria.

Meanwhile, the league will announce the winner of the Best Player of the Conference award before the game.