NLEX favored over struggling Meralco

THE resurgent NLEX Road Warriors resume their bid for a top four finish in the elimination round when it collides with the Meralco Bolts in the 2022-23 PBA Governors’ Cup today, February 23, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Road Warriors ended their two-game losing slide last week after subduing the Converge FiberXers 116-112 and tie their victims for a share of third spot in the team standings with identical 5-2 records.

The hardworking wards of coach Frankie Lim will be shooting for their sixth win against the Bolts who carry a 3-3 record entering their 4:30 p.m. tussle.

Based on the season-ending conference’s format, the top four finishers after the 11-game eliminations will earn twice-to-beat advantages in the first round of the playoffs.

Lim admitted that injuries to his key players Sean Anthony (calf strain), Matt Nieto (shoulder) and big man Mike Miranda (ankle) disrupted the team’s rotation.

But with the rest of the players stepping up to help new import Wayne Selden Jr., NLEX is slowly getting back to its groove.

Selden, who came in to replace Jonathon Simmons, is averaging do-it-all numbers of 34.3 points, 7.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 3.7 steals in his first three games for NLEX.

The former Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks guard/forward has been ably supported by local stars led by Kevin Alas (19.9 points per game), Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (14.1 ppg.) and Don Trollano (11.2 ppg.).

They are expected to face an uphill battle against the Bolts, who have been blowing hot and cold so far in this conference.

Meralco is coming off a 104-111 loss to sister team TNT last week.

KJ McDaniels, the former NLEX import, fired 26 points and hauled down 15 boards, but turned the ball over seven times, which hurt the Meralco squad’s chances of snatching the win against TNT.

But all that is water under the bridge as the Bolts look to get their bearings back and strengthen their playoff bid.

In the main game at 6:45 p.m., Converge (5-2) resumes its own drive for the top four when it goes up against woeful Blackwater (1-7).

The FiberXers have import Jamaal Franklin, along with locals Maverick Ahanmisi, young big men Justin Araña and Abu Tratter as well as Jeron Teng to lead the charge against a Bossing side that has lost its last six games and could practically kiss their playoff bid goodbye with another loss.