PBA D-League: NLEX fends off Parks, BDO-NU

Kevin Alas of NLEX (light) vs Robin Rono and Rayray Parks of NU-BDO (dark). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX had an answer to every run of Banco De Oro en route to a 84-71 triumph in the 2013 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Road Warriors brushed off Bobby Ray Parks’ impressive triple-double display, leaning on their trusty spinners to relentlessly fend off the Bulldogs-backed BDO.

NLEX, which took total control in the second period, scattered eight triples against BDO’s three, with Garvo Lanete and Baser Amer nailing two each.

Everytime NU threatened to pull to within single digits in the second half, NLEX answered with a momentum-breaking three-pointer.

“I didn’t expect we’d lead by this big. We started out flat but I challenge my starters to step up. I give credit to them, they didn’t want to lose,” said head coach Boyet Fernandez.

Jake Pascual and Lanete combined for 21 points for the Road Warriors, who improved to 2-0 entering a tough schedule next week.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are showing promise with Parks, who finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists, running the show but just couldn’t get the job done.

NU even outrebounded NLEX, 42-36.

Tristan Perez’s 21-point, eight-rebound effort also was for naught as BDO-NU absorbed its fifth straight setback in the tournament.