NLEX, the top seed, is set to take on eighth-seeded TNT in the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Road Warriors enter the playoffs with a strong 10-2 record, thanks in large part to the contributions of their import Cady Lalanne and playmaker Robert Bolick. In contrast, the defending champions Tropang 5G stumbled to the eighth seed after losing to Barangay Ginebra Kings.
NLEX's only two losses this season include a defeat to TNT, where Bol Bol scored an impressive 40 points.
NLEX coach Jong Uichico is optimistic about his team's chances, especially with the win-once-and-advance format for the quarterfinals. He believes that Lalanne's integration into the team has been a crucial factor.
What we really liked about Cady was his attitude. He’s very coachable and gets along with his teammates.
Coach Jong Uichico
Lalanne, who was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, has had a stellar season, averaging 26.0 points and 15.6 rebounds.
Uichico acknowledges the challenge posed by TNT's deep roster, which features key players like Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro.
In another quarterfinal matchup, fourth-seeded Meralco will take on fifth-seed Magnolia at 7:30 p.m. Meralco is eager to avenge a recent loss to the Hotshots.
Magnolia enters the playoffs riding a three-game winning streak, but the Bolts are determined to seize their chance for advancement.