NLEX banked on its systematic approach in the Christmas presentation of the 2017-18 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Philippine Arena in Boacaue, Bulacan yesterday afternoon.
With Kiefer Ravena leading the attack, the Road Warriors crushed the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 115-104, to grab the lead in the All-Filipino tourney at 2-0.
Showing that his scintillating debut wasn’t a fluke, rookie sensation Ravena continued his impressive showing, scoring a team-high and a new career-high 20 points, to go with five assists and four steals as his well-rounded brilliance once again led the way for NLEX for the second straight time.
JR Quinahan was the one who set the tone early for the Road Warriors, tallying 19 points and nine rebounds for a near double-double as his inside presence proved too difficult to handle for the Batang Pier.
NLEX scored 34 points in the third quarter as it slowly but surely built its lead through the first three periods to take a 74-66 lead going into the fourth canto.
The Road Warriors then took good care of their advantage, even upping it to double-digits for most part of the final 12 minutes to cruise to the victory and remain unbeaten.
“We were able to get control of the game and do a better job closing out. It’s another good start for us,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao.
Like Ravena and Quinahan, Larry Fonacier likewise gave NLEX a huge boost, having a fantastic all-around stat line of his own with 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
In just two games, NLEX had already surpassed its win total from last season’s Philippine Cup, where it only had a lone win.
Stanley Pringle scored a game-high 33 points and 11 rebounds but his efforts went for naught as the Batang Pier weren’t able to fully establish their game as NLEX kept them at bay for most of the game.
As of press time, crowd darlings Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia are once again figuring in an intense Christmas Day tango.
The Gin Kings are making their tournament debut, while the Hotshots are looking to win their second straight game and replicate what NLEX did to gain a piece of first place.
The scores:
NLEX 115 – Ravena 20, Quinahan 19, Fonacier 12, Tiongson 10, Alas 9, Baguio 8, Gotladera 8, Miranda 8, Mallari 6, Monfort 5, Rios 5, Taulava 3, Al-Hussaini 2.
GLOBALPORT 104 – Pringle 33, Anthony 19, Grey 13, NAbong 9, Arana 8, Elorde 5, Guinto 4, Taha 4, Juico 4, Sargent 2, Flores 2, Gabayni 1.
Quarters: 25-25, 50-45, 84-76, 115-104.