NLEX debuts impressively; Freego leads

Garvo Lanete of NLEX drives past his defender. PBA IMAGE/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—All the concerns about cohesion and lack of preparation proved unfounded after all for the defending champion NLEX Road Warriors.

RR Garcia fired 16 points as the Road Warriors launched their PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup campaign with an 85-61 drubbing of PC Gilmore Monday at the Adamson Gym.

The Road Warriors zoomed to a double-digit lead in the first five minutes behind Woody Co’s early explosion and refused to let up the rest of the way.

“It’s a good win but we still lack the chemistry,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

Freego Jeans leaned on clutch baskets by Lester Alvarez to down Boracay Rum, 58-48, and join Blackwater Elite, Cebuana Lhuillier and Big Chill on top of the heap at 2-0.

Alvarez, a standout from Adamson, knocked in a huge trey for a 55-48 lead with 52 seconds remaining to clinch the win.

The scores:
First Game
NLEX 85—Garcia 16, Abueva 14, Lanete 12, Ellis 8, Hodge 8, Co 7,Marcelo 7, Sanggalang 4, Belencio 3, Monfort 2, Dehesa 2, Reyes 2, Arao 0.
PC GILMORE 61—Lim 14, Taha 12, Vidal 11, Celiz 6, Eman 6, Agas 5, Nuilan 3, Torres 2, Magar 0.
Quarters: 27-13, 47-29, 67-48, 85-61
Second Game
FREEGO JEANS 58—Alvarez 18, Camson 13, Canada 7, Lozada 5, Austria 4, Lopez 2, Sumalindog 2, Escueta 2, Elinon 2, Adihan 2, Brondial 1, Cabrera 0, Manyara 0.
BORACAY RUM 48—Sabelina 14, Khobontin 8, Eguillos 6, Rosopa 5, Siruma 5, Baloran 4, Abaya 2, Bandaying 2, Cornejo 0, Terso 0, Morial 0.
Quarters: 18-9, 36-22, 48-36, 58-48