The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag stuck to the positives after his all-Filipino squad took Converge to the limit before yielding a 112-110 loss on Friday before the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup takes a long break in favor of Gilas Pilipinas.
Playing without Dequan Jones, who suffered a horrific conference-ending leg injury, the Road Warriors still managed to grab a 12-point lead and even made a late threat against the FiberXers.
“Extremely proud of our guys,” Alapag said. “I challenged them before the game, obviously without DJ, to give it all they had going into this long break.”
Robert Bolick typified the Road Warriors’ fight, burying a clutch four-pointer that gave them a 99-97 lead with two minutes and 27 seconds left, before Juan Gomez de Liaño answered with his own conversion from the farther arc to give Converge the lead for good.
“Big-time shotmaking at the end of the game: Berto, Juan Gomez, it was a great game. It was a great game for the PBA fans here watching online,” Alapag said.
“But really happy with our effort,” he was quick to add. “We’re going to this break. I’ll be watching a lot of film to see where we can improve. And get ready for the comeback after the break.”
Bolick put up 19 points, six boards, and six assists, while LJay Gonzales showed the way with 23 markers for the a Road Warriors team that saw all 15 locals see action.“I thought it was a great opportunity for our guys. I got a chance to play everybody. And again, just happy with the effort,” Alapag said as NLEX remained in top spot in Group A in a tie with San Miguel at 7-2 despite losing for the second time in three games.