Garvo Lanete of NLEX (dark) vs Jack Arquero of Arelllano-Air21 (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Relentless from the get-go, defending Aspirants’ Cup champion NLEX got its title defense going with a 93-60 rout of Arellano-Air21 in the PBA D-League Monday at the JCSGO gym in Cubao.
Garvo Lanete scored 15 of his game-high 19 points in the fourth quarter on seven-of-10 shooting from the field for the Road Warriors, who shot close to 51% from the field and turned the ball over just eight times and assisting on 26 of their 36 baskets.
“[Arellano] just weren’t able to scout us and we caught them off guard,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
“We only practiced with a complete team just yesterday (Sunday),” added Fernandez with six of his players fresh off an NCAA championship with San Beda last Saturday.
The Road Warriors, though, hardly looked like a team without much practice with their offense clicking and their defense able to force 19 turnovers which led to 20 points showing no letup.
Matthew Ganuelas added 16 points, four assists, three steals and three blocks while Kevin Alas had 12.
John Bangga scored 14 for the Chiefs, who dropped to 1-3.
NLEX faces a struggling National University-BDO side, a game which Fernandez thinks would be a tough one despite the Bulldogs’ 0-3 record.
“With Parks there, it will be a strong team. If they get used to it I’m sure malakas ang BDO.”
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