NLEX and Phoenix Super LPG look to keep their early surge alive on Easter Sunday as the Road Warriors and Fuel Masters square off in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Set for 5:15 p.m., the matchup brings together two teams riding the momentum of recent victories and eyeing a share of a strong 4-1 start in the mid-season conference.
But for both squads, this is about more than just improving their record.
For NLEX, the game is another step in its push to move past the frustration of recent near-misses. The Road Warriors have seen promising campaigns end in disappointment in each of the last two Philippine Cups, first after squandering a twice-to-beat edge against Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, then after falling to eventual champion San Miguel Beer as the top seed.
Their confidence, however, appears to be on the rise after a stirring 118-113 win over longtime tormentor Barangay Ginebra two Fridays ago, a result that may have signaled a shift in mindset for the franchise.
“This game hopefully takes us to the next level,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico.
Phoenix, meanwhile, is trying to build something it has long struggled to sustain — a legitimate playoff run.
The Fuel Masters are coming off an emphatic 133-105 demolition of previously unbeaten Terrafirma last March 25, a performance that highlighted both their firepower and their growing belief under coach Charles Tiu.
“We’re just trying to rack up some wins kasi ang goal lang naman namin, first and foremost, is to try and get to the playoffs,” Tiu said.
“Of course, you know na nga na the Phoenix franchise, the fans, have been hungry for a playoff berth so we wanna do something with this group na maybe… makasilat kami sa mga powerhouse teams,” he added.
That hunger has defined Phoenix’s campaign. Since entering the league in the 2015-16 season, the franchise has managed three semifinal appearances and four quarterfinal berths, but has also endured a long stretch of inconsistency. The Fuel Masters failed to get past the eliminations in the last five conferences, including a 10th-place finish in the previous Philippine Cup.
Tiu’s arrival was meant to change that trajectory, and early signs suggest Phoenix may finally be finding its footing.
The Fuel Masters have drawn energy from a roster that may lack marquee names but has delivered with discipline and effort. Ricci Rivero has emerged as a major spark, averaging 22.5 points, six rebounds and four assists, highlighted by a career-best 40-point explosion on 14-of-22 shooting against the Dyip. He also added six rebounds and eight assists in that breakout game.
Import James Dickey III has quietly anchored the team, while Evan Nelle, Tyler Tiu, Kenneth Tuffin, Bryan Santos and veteran leader Jason Perkins have all provided steady production.
Phoenix could also get an added boost with Kai Ballungay expected to return from the ankle sprain that sidelined him in the last two games, giving the Fuel Masters another weapon against a loaded NLEX side.
The Road Warriors, for their part, remain powered by Robert Bolick and import Cady Lalanne, who has been dominant with averages of 24.74 points and 15.5 rebounds per game. They also continue to draw support from Schonny Winston, Anthony Semerad and LJay Gonzales.
With both teams chasing a second straight win and trying to prove their strong start is no fluke, Sunday’s curtain-raiser shapes up as a pivotal test of staying power — and an early statement game for two clubs determined to change their story.
