NLEX made sure that it would come out of over a three-week break with the same intensity and energy to continue its winning streak.
The Road Warriors did just that when they reverted to active duty in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Head coach Frankie Lim attributed NLEX’s easy 87-74 win over Magnolia on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to how the team took advantage of the long All-Star and Lenten break.
“We were out for 18 days but we made sure that we’ll give our players good pacing. We had a couple of rest days. We had hard practice and light practice,” Lim said as the Road Warriors stretched their winning run to four to gain solo second.
NLEX, which beat Blackwater, 103-97, last 13 March before the ceasefire, improved to a 5-1 win-loss record behind unbeaten defending champion San Miguel Beer (5-0).
The Road Warriors showed no rust as they overran the depleted Hotshots, who absorbed a second straight defeat.
“I thought our pacing to our players (during the break) was crucial,” Lim said.
Robert Bolick was in his element once again as he dropped 26 points and came an assist short of a double-double while Anthony Semerad had 22 points and 10 boards.
“I just felt that all the practices we had in the past weeks did us well. Also, it’s a big thing that Magnolia had a depleted lineup but my guys played well offensively and defensively they stuck to the game plan. I’m just happy it worked well,” Lim said.
NLEX had its way offensively against Magnolia minus suspended Calvin Abueva and injured Rome dela Rosa (ankle).
It made the Road Warriors’ job a lot easier hitting their shots in a 30-of-70 field goal shooting.
