Preview: Powerhouse NLEX takes on rising Cagayan

2013 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup

NLEX Road Warriors vs Cagayan Valley Rising Suns

Why this game is important… 

For NLEX: Like what NLEX star Nico Salva believes, Game 1 is the most important game of all. This is where the Road Warriors would like to set the tone while also pushing Cagayan on the brink of ouster. And with a fourth straight title on the horizon, expect NLEX to approach this game with unmatched intensity.

For Cagayan: The Cinderella run isn’t over yet and a chance to wield the upset axe on NLEX with a Game 1 win makes the Rising Suns salivate at the thought of being champs. They’ve already gone this far, so why not go all out and give it their best shot?

X-Factor

For NLEX:  Kevin Alas. When the going gets tough, the former Letran Knight will assume the leader’s role in order to pump his team up. The biggest problem for NLEX isn’t talent, it’s energy. And Alas brings it day in, day out. 

For Cagayan: Raymund Almazan. After getting screwed by Ian Sangalang in the NCAA Finals, this is Almazan’s chance to redeem himself and what better way to do it than to anchor Cagayan’s defense and provide some offense for the Rising Suns. 

And the winner is… Experience-wise, NLEX knows and has what it takes to win an already lost ballgame. They just have ways of reviving their plunging energy and recharge in a snap in order to hack out an exciting finish to their favor. Cagayan MAY have a chance or a shot to pull an upset but they will have to pour out their 101% to make a game out of it. – Rappler.com