NLEX eyes sixth win under Celis

MANILA, Philippines - The NLEX Road Warriors continue to win games by blowout even with head coach Boyet Fernandez miles away.

And the trend is likely to remain unchanged as the Road Warriors hope to extend their winning streak to six games against struggling Derulo Accelero.

The game pitting the top and bottom teams of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup is scheduled at 2 p.m. at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

NLEX is coming off an 83-74 victory against Cagayan Valley last Monday to stay unbeaten in five starts. But coach Mon Celis, who is taking care of business in the absence of Fernandez, warned that the Oilers can’t be taken lightly.

“They’re struggling but their desire to win makes them dangerous. So we can’t be complacent,” said Celis, who gave his troops a mouthful at halftime of their game against Cagayan Valley because the Road Warriors lost their focus in the second quarter and allowed the Rising Suns to get back into the game.   

The Oilers remain winless in five games largely because of a weak finishing kick.

And it looks like their misery would continue unless the Road Warriors have a terrible game or an off night.

In the other games, Café France battles Cebuana Lhuillier at 10 a.m. while Boracay Rum collides with Big Chill at 12 noon.

The Gems are seeking their second straight victory and fourth in five games to stay behind league leader NLEX.