Bucking a sluggish start, sizzling NLEX picked up the pace to demolish ailing Rain or Shine, 111-91, for its fourth straight win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City yesterday.
Manny Harris continued to showcase his all-around skills for the Road Warriors, notching a triple-double with a game-high 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists to power his squad once more to another triumph.
With the victory NLEX (7 wins, 1 loss) caught up to the TNT KaTropa (7-1) at the top of the standings.
The other teams include the Meralco Bolts (5-2), Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (4-2), the San Miguel Beermen (5-3), Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (4-4), Columbian Dyip (4-5) and the NorthPort Batang Pier (3-4).
Bringing up the rear at ninth to 12th places are the Alaska Aces (2-6), the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters (2-6), the Blackwater Elite (2-6) and Rain or Shine (2-7).
Five more Road Warriors scored in twin-digits with Jericho Cruz scoring 13 points, Kiefer Ravena and Poy Erram 12 each, Raul Soyud and JR Quiñahan with 10 apiece.
The Road Warriors unleashed a vicious game-turning run in the middle of the game to take control and set-up their victory.
They turned a five-point second quarter deficit into a significant advantage early in the third.
A pivotal 16-2 spurt bridging the middle quarters enabled the Road Warriors to open a 60-51 spread after two free throws from Ravena at the 9:06 mark of the third.
That was the beginning of NLEX’s assault.
By the end of the third, the Road Warriors were comfortably ahead, erecting an 18-point lead, 83-65, that eventually became insurmountable for the helpless Elasto Painters.
Rain or Shine lost its second straight game and dropped to the bottom once again with a 2-7 card.
Off to a fiery start, it was Rain or Shine swiftly which opened up a 12-point cushion, 25-13, after two free throws from Javee Mocon at the 4:43 mark of the opening period.
NLEX was able to slowly but surely climb back, trimming its deficit to only four, 23-27, heading to the second frame.
Continuing its rise, it eventually took the driver’s seat, 51-49, at the turn.
New import Richard Ross scored 20 points in his debut for Rain or Shine.
The scores:
NLEX Road Warriors 111—Manny Harris 29, Jericho Cruz 13, John Paul Erram 12, Kiefer Ravena 12, JR Quiñahan 10, Raul Soyud 10, Philip Paniamogan 9, Mike Miranda 6, Larry Fonacier 3, Kyles Lao 3, Bong Galanza 2, Asi Taulava 2, Kenneth Ighalo 0, Paul Varilla 0.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 91—Richard Ross 20, Javee Mocon 17, Jewel Ponferada 13, Kris Rosales 10, Beau Belga 7, Sidney Onwubere 6, Gabe Norwood 4, Ed Daquioag 4, Mark Borboran 3, Ping Exciminiano 3, Norbert Torres 2, Jayjay Alejandro 2.