NLEX guns for a seventh straight victory and a firmer grip on the Group A lead when it takes on Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at 5:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Road Warriors remained unbeaten through six games and another win would move them closer to securing one of the top four playoff berths in the 12-game elimination round.
Import DeQuan Jones said NLEX has avoided thinking about its perfect record, choosing instead to focus on one game at a time.
“Honestly, the only time we’re reminded of it is after the game,” said Jones, a former Orlando Magic player. “Like, literally, even the first talk we had with coach Jimmy (Alapag), he said we’re going to have a ‘next play’ mentality and we’re taking every game one at a time.”
“We’re literally focused and homed in and put all of our energy in the next accomplishment because we know what we want to achieve and that’s by brick by brick,” Jones added.
Coach Jimmy Alapag echoed the same message, reminding his players not to be distracted by their early success.
“I want us to try our best to not think about the record so much, just because there’s still so much conference left to play,” Alapag said.
“But this is a compliment to their work ethic and competitive spirit. It’s not easy to win six in a row in the PBA. Credit goes to DeQuan and the rest of our guys for weathering the challenges we’ve faced so far. But, again, there’s still so much work to be done.”
Terrafirma, meanwhile, hopes to improve its 2-4 record while avenging a heartbreaking 101-100 loss to NLEX on July 12.
The Dyip erased a 23-point deficit in that game and came within a point before Justin Strings missed a potential game-winning shot in the closing seconds.
NLEX also survived a scare in its last outing, holding off defending champion TNT, 88-83, after nearly blowing a 17-point lead.
Alapag said the close calls have reinforced the need for continued improvement.
“As the conference goes on, we’ll get back to practice and see how we can improve and get better,” he said.
Later, Magnolia and Meralco clash in a crucial Group B showdown at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue.
The Hotshots are tied with Barangay Ginebra for fourth place at 2-3, while the Bolts sit at the bottom of the standings with a 2-4 record as both teams battle for a coveted top-four finish.
Magnolia won the first meeting, 112-98, on July 24 and enters the rematch with momentum after routing Barangay Ginebra, 88-73, in the Manila Clasico last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach LA Tenorio credited his team’s defensive effort, particularly against RJ Abarrientos, who was held to a conference-low six points on 2-of-9 shooting after scoring 27 in Ginebra’s previous victory over Meralco. / PBA MEDIA