NLEX and Barangay Ginebra return to action on All-Souls Day in Antipolo with both clubs headed in opposite directions early in the Philippine Cup. The Road Warriors have surged to one of their most impressive starts in recent seasons. The Gin Kings, meanwhile, are trying to keep their campaign from spiraling further after a shaky opening stretch.

NLEX enters the 7:30 p.m. contest riding momentum, eager to seize the solo lead at 5-1 and stand alone atop the standings past the halfway point of the eliminations. Led by Robert Bolick and a tight, disciplined unit, the Road Warriors have translated chemistry and steady execution into consistent results.

Ginebra seeks spark amid early struggle

Ginebra has had difficulties getting traction, sitting at 1-3 in what marks its toughest conference opening in years. Consecutive losses to Meralco and San Miguel — the latter in a tense Dubai showcase — underscored their current struggles. A late rally against the Beermen fell short when Scottie Thompson’s pressured four-point heave missed at the buzzer.

Tim Cone’s squad knows urgency is rising. The perennial powerhouse shares eighth place alongside Blackwater, a position the league’s most popular club seldom occupies this deep into a tournament start.

NLEX focused on maintaining discipline

Despite NLEX’s streak, coach Jong Uichico stresses staying grounded. The Road Warriors have shown firepower and poise but also stretches where opponents chip away at leads — a trend he wants controlled as tougher matchups loom.

“We have to keep improving and eliminate those lulls,” Uichico said. “We can’t allow teams to climb back easily. That’s something we need to fix moving forward.”

Both sides understand the stakes. For NLEX, it’s a chance to plant a flag atop the standings. For Ginebra, it is about reasserting its championship identity before the hole gets deeper.