Warriors gun for sweep, D-League title vs Chargers

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX goes all out for a sweep, not only of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup crown but also of the first three tournaments of fledgling league.

The Road Warriors try to finish off the Big Chill Super Chargers, who they clobbered, 86-71, in the opener of their best-of-three series at the Ynares Sports Arena last Monday, with another victory today.

Gametime is at 2 p.m. at the San Juan Arena with the unbeaten Road Warriors seeking win No. 13 for a record third straight championship.

“This is one for the books. We’ll definitely go if we get an opportunity. It’s an achievement not only for me but also for the whole NLEX organization,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

 He added that what motivates them is their shot at history although he admitted that “it also adds up to the pressure of closing out the series and winning the championship.”

“I’m sure Big Chill will make some adjustments and try to bounce back,” said Fernandez.

The Super Chargers are no strangers in this kind of must-win situations, beating the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems in sudden death in the semis to earn the right to face the Road Warriors.

“We have been in this situation before (against Cebuana Lhuillier in the semis) and we were able to overcome it,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison.

But he stressed the need for his wards to step up their game to stop a strong team like NLEX.

“We really have to work, execute and play harder if we want to force a winner take all game,” said Sison.

Despite their blowout loss in the opener, the Super Chargers remain confident of their chances to bounce back and force a deciding match.

“We worked so hard to get here (finals) and we don’t want to lose grip of our dreams just because of that defeat in Game One,” Sison said.