Big Chill hopes to stop NLEX juggernaut as D-League finals begin

PBA D-League/Nuki Sabio

The NLEX Road Warriors have not lost a single game in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup. They have won each of the first two D-League titles, and are heavy favorites to win a third one against the Big Chill Superchargers.

Just don’t tell that to NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

“This will be a classic matchup. Both teams are evenly matched in terms of individual talent,” said Fernandez, whose Road Warriors will tip off against the Superchargers in Game One of the best-of-three title series on Monday at 2 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The match will be broadcast over AKTV on the same day.

For Big Chill coach Robert Sison, his team couldn’t be considered underdogs in the championship.

“The whole organization starting from management up to the whole team are so motivated and so pumped up and so prepared for this encounter with NLEX,” Sison said.

The Superchargers have reason to be confident. Last conference, Big Chill had NLEX on the ropes in their best-of-three semifinals series, but the Road Warriors rebounded to take the last two games and eventually win the Aspirants’ Cup.

Sison believes that this time, his wards are ready to bring home the bacon.

“Everyone in the team is healthy and excited to play in the championship,” he said, adding that the pressure lies solely on NLEX.

“Defending your title is doubly harder than winning it on your first shot at it,” Sison said.

Fernandez paid his counterpart compliments, but remained confident about his team’s chances.

“Big Chill is well-coached. Coach Robert is a champion coach. But as long as my team is ready and prepared for every game, I will be okay,” said Fernandez. “This is tough but we are ready.”

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