JONG Uichico lamented the way NLEX played its final outing in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations.
The Road Warriors lost to also-ran Northport Batang Pier, 113-108, in a game where they appeared to have played with less urgency.
NLEX initially led by as many as 35-24, but allowed Northport to explode for 40 points in the third period to turn the game around and spoil the Road Warriors’ bid to go to the playoffs on a winning note.
COLUMN: NLEX loses its edge without Mocon, Fajardo, Semerad
Uichico later admitted it was obvious his team didn’t play 100 percent true to its potential.
“Hindi naman nag-relax, but yung mentality hindi ganun. Kumbaga 100 percent, mga 80 (percent) lang, kasi (mindset) pasok na naman tayo ganun,” he noted.
“It’s not the right attitude or the right way, kasi pag natalo ka pero 100 percent ok lang. Pero hindi e, natalo ka 80 percent (lang), so pangit. Hindi tama.”
The Road Warriors ended the eliminations with an 8-3 record, and could have clinched the top seed outright with a win following the loss of the San Miguel Beermen to Converge FiberXers in Wednesday night’s main game, 100-97.
At 7-3, the Beermen can forge a tie with the Road Warriors at No. 1 should they win their final game against Northport on Sunday. San Miguel owns its head-to-head duel with NLEX this conference, 98-89.
While finishing either No. 1 or 2 isn't a big of a concern for Uichico, he said there’s nothing more atisfying than going to the playoffs on a winning note.
“Especially going to the playoffs, hindi dapat ganun. Bakit ka mamimihasa sa ganun. Hindi ka naman San Miguel or Ginebra or yung mga matataas na teams na sanay na sa ganun. They’ll just turn on the switch, di ba,” he said.
"E tayo nag-uumpisa pa lang tapos ganun na yung magiging attitude or mental preparedness mo, so parang mali.”
The injury-hit Road Warriors have at least a week to prepare physically and mentally before the playoffs.
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