Despite NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao currently being down against the Magnolia Hotshots in their best-of-three series and is one loss away from being eliminated in the post-eliminations, he does not sweat.
Guiao is also confident that he and the rest of the Road Warriors squad can bounce back in the following match after a tough defeat against Magnolia in their first matchup of the quarterfinals.
Within their clash versus the Hotshots, NLEX was missing Kevin Alas and Kris Rosales, who in that time were in health and safety protocols. Two of the players are expected to play once again for coach Guiao in the upcoming Game 2 on Friday.
“I’m not in a panic mode, I’m not that worried,” Guiao shared. “Tingin ko kaya naming balikan ito.”
“Pag nakabalik kami ng Friday, who can say, baka makalusot kami,” Guiao added.
Because NLEX was short-handed against Magnolia, Guiao’s game plan and their skill to match the quickness of the secondary cast of the opposing team were affected. Not only that, but they were not also able to limit the offensive barrage by Barroca, who had 18 of his 24 points tallied in the first half.
The Road Warriors had one last surge in the remaining minutes of the contest, but that effort was not enough to bring down Magnolia’s winning difference that amassed by as much as 17 points.
“I don’t feel na our chances are diminished, pero we definitely have to make adjustments,” Guiao said after the game.
According to Guiao, Rosales and Alas should be ready to play in their second game against the Hotshots on Friday. Rosales has already tested negative for the COVID virus but is still showing signs of soreness in the throat.
As for Alas, he tested positive for the COVID virus while mending his hamstring injury. The guard was asymptomatic and successfully completed his last day in isolation.
“We just wanted to be safe,” Guiao said regarding his players. “We’re just taking precautions, but they should be ready by Friday.”