Celiz Robby Celiz. Photo courtesy of Nueva Ecija Capitals Facebook page.

Nueva Ecija Capitals keep focus on seventh win in PSL

December 20, 2023 Robert Andaya 591 views

THE Nueva Ecija Capitals remain focused on their objective to extend their winning streak to seven games in the Pilipinas Super League President’s Cup at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Nueva Ecija coach Jerson Cabiltes admits the task could be a lot tougher with some of his stars unlikely to suit up.but claims the rest of his players can still get the job done against the Novaliches QC Warriors in the scheduled 8 p.m. encounter.

“We’re gonna prepare for them. Baka kulang ang players in our game so we just have to be ready,” said Cabiltes.

.“May prior schedules na iyung ibang players kasi initially we were not sure if we’re going to join this league,” he added.

Cabiltes said he regularly reminds his players “not to fall into the traps of complacency” in the tournament headed by PBA legend Allan Caidic as Commissioner.

“Minsan kasi sa MPBL sa sobrang haba ng liga maatas ang energy at the start of the tournament at pagdating ng middle, bababa iyan, tapos tataas ulit kapag papunta na ng playoffs,” he said.

“The PSL is a shorter league pero still marami ring tough opponents so we just have to be in shape and be ready so iyong intensity mo hindi dapat bumaba.”

Expected to lead the way for Nueva Ecija are veterans Jay Collado, Michael Mabulac, Emman Calo, former PBA players Roi Sumang and Robby Celiz, and young guns Ralph Robin and Nat Cosejo.

“Iyon nga ang laging sinasabi sa akin ni coach. Isa ako sa mga beterano kaya kailangan i-lead ko iyong team, lalo na maraming bata kami na kinuha,” Collado said. “So, kailangan maging example ako sa ensayo sa team.”

Iyong mga bata namin, sobrang nakakatulong sa amin. Sa practice, takbuhan kaagad sila at hindi petiks kaya kailangan naming mga beterano na sabayan kaya pati kami, iyong kondisyon namin umaangat pa.”

The Capitals, also known as the Rice Vanguards in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) of businessman-sportsman Bong Cuevas, have won all their six matches so far.

Last Thursday, the Capitals proved too strong, too classy for CV Siniloan Daruma Dragons,100-85.

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