MANILA, Philippines — NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag will lead the Road Warriors into the second round of the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday, seeking to maintain their unbeaten start after winning their first six games.
NLEX will face Terrafirma Dyip at 5:15 p.m. at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in a Group A matchup.
Alapag, who became the first rookie coach in PBA history to win his first six games, said the team still has work to do despite its strong start.
“There’s still so much work to be done,” Alapag said.
Four of NLEX’s six victories came by double-digit margins, while its closest game came against Terrafirma. The Dyip erased a double-digit deficit in that game and had a chance to win before import Justin Strings missed a potential go-ahead shot at the buzzer.
Terrafirma enters the second round with a 2-4 record and remains within reach of fourth-place Converge in Group A.
NLEX’s latest victory came against TNT, 88-83. The win gave Alapag a victory over former coach Chot Reyes and his former team.
Alapag returned to Manila after working as a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.
He credited NLEX’s players for their work ethic and willingness to follow his system.
“This is a compliment to their work ethic and their competitive spirit, which is why we’re here right now,” Alapag said.
In another game Friday, Magnolia will face Meralco at 7:30 p.m. in a Group B matchup.
Magnolia enters the game with a 2-3 record and can tie Blackwater for third place with a victory. The Hotshots are coming off a win over Barangay Ginebra.
Meralco sits at the bottom of Group B with a 1-4 record after losing to Rain or Shine, 85-83, following a fourth-quarter collapse.
Converge dropped to 3-4 and suffered its fourth consecutive loss after falling to San Miguel Beer, 126-114, on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
