The NLEX Road Warriors is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters at 4:30 PM on February 4, 2023 live from the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Rizal.
The Road Warriors wanted to stay unbeaten and once again join the Converge FiberXers at the top of the standings having four wins while the Fuelmasters will try to spark their own winning streak now that they find their groove after their last outing.
At last, Phoenix interim head coach Jamike Jarin shrug the monkey at his back and logged his victory with his squad. That’s when his Fuelmasters beat NorthPort Batang Pier in a convincing win, 108-97.
Led by their import, Du’vaughn Maxwell and local veteran Jason Perkins who both scored 26 points easily cruised over their opponent where they led as much as 27 points. Coach Jarin admits that part of their challenge in this early phase of the tournament is their rugged schedule where they played almost back-to-back games. Now that one item is left on their checklist before they get their needed long rest, the chief tactician that he’s expecting his troops to pour all of their remaining gas at the same time keep the winning momentum they have established.
“So we have to bring in the energy, bring in whatever we have left in the tank,” said Jarin, “but I ‘m really positive naman na because of the victory from last night everybody will have that energy to keep pushing forward.”
Part of his preparation is how to slow down NLEX foreign reinforcement and also the “Drunken Master”, Kevin Alas who is efficient on how to contribute without the need of having the basketball at his hand all the time.
“Main concern right now is their import,” said Jarin. “We have to be aware of what Kevin is doing, we have to be aware of where he is with or without the ball,” he added.
Speaking of NLEX import, this could be the farewell game of Jonathon Simmons who prove that his basketball skills are on another level. He is the main factor why head coach Frankie Lim and the entire squad are currently enjoying their 3-0 standings.
During their last match versus the TNT Tropang Giga, the former NBA player dropped a whooping 45 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals. Most importantly, he proves that he’s truly in a statement that he’ll give his best and keep NLEX winning despite his replacement is already in town and got a playing contract.
With Simmons, NLEX is currently one of the top teams leading in fastbreak points. This is also the area that the coach of the other side of the court wanted to solve in order for their chances to get the victory will be higher.
“They’re the No. 1 team in fastbreak points so we really need to get down on defense,” said Jarin.