Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) – The NLEX Road Warriors asserted their might in the second half to notch a 94-76 win over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, Saturday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Yeng Guiao-mentored Road Warriors outscored the Fuel Masters, 49-31, in the second half after a deadlock at halftime to clinch their fourth win in six games, and claim solo fourth in the team standings.
Jericho Cruz anchored the NLEX offense with 19 points, eight assists, and four steals to lead his squad to their third straight victory.
Both teams exchanged leads in the first half and the early moments of the third quarter, until the Road Warriors went on a 12-4 scoring run to build a 72-62 lead after 36 minutes of action.
NLEX never relinquished the lead in the fourth quarter, courtesy of scoring exploits from Cruz and big man Raul Soyud, who contributed 17 points and seven boards.
The Road Warriors also drew some solid game from slotman JR Quinahan with 14 points while team captain Kevin Alas added 11 markers.
“We got worried in the first half. We couldn’t find a solution for their set-up for Matthew Wright. When we got used to it, we pulled through already. We played better defense in the second half,” Guiao said.
NLEX outscored Phoenix in points in the paint (44-24), points from turnovers (25-9), and fastbreak points (13-1).
Vic Manuel topscored for the Fuel Masters with 13 points while Jason Perkins and Chris Banchero chipped in 12 points each, as their team fell to a 3-5 slate.
Meanwhile, the PBA postponed the other Saturday game between San Miguel Beermen and Blackwater Bossing “in accordance with the league’s health and safety protocols.”
No date has been set when their game will be played.
The Scores:
NLEX 94 – Cruz 19, Soyud 17, Quinahan 14, Alas 11, Trollano 9, Oftana 8, Miranda 5, Paniamogan 5, Porter 4, Ighalo 2, McAloney 0
PHOENIX 76 – Manuel 13, Perkins 12, Banchero 12, Wright 10, Jazul 8, Demusis 5, Melecio 5, Chua 4, Garcia 3, Pascual 2, Calisaan 2, Muyang 0, Rios 0
Quarterscores: 22-25, 45-45, 72-62, 94-76
