FORMER PBA playmaker Pamboy Raymundo of the NLEX Road Warriors tries to go around the defense of Big Chill’s Jecster Apinan in yesterday’s D-League game at Trinity University of Asia Gym in Quezon City. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
NLEX bounced back big as the Road Warriors dealt league-leader Big Chill its first loss with a 97-88 decision in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at Trinity University of Asia gym.
Garvo Lanete drilled 14 of his 24 points in the final quarter to power the Road Warrios to their fourth victory, a week after absorbing a shock 78-83 setback to Hog’s Breath Cafe.
Former Talk ‘N Text guard Pamboy Raymundo debuted with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Road Warriors, who snapped the Superchargers’ six-game win run.
Cagayan Valley also recovered from an upset loss with a 75-68 nipping of Blackwater Sports in the second game.
Mark Bringas knocked in 21 points on a 7-of -12 shooting clip and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Rising Suns to their sixth win in eight outings.
Adrian Celeda and Jason Melano also combined for 23 points as the Rising Suns came back from a stunning 74-76 loss to newcomer Wangs Basketball.
“We cannot just show up for a game and expect to win,” said coach Boyet Fernandez after his Road Warriors pulled off the huge win despite the ejection of African center Ola Adeogun in the third quarter.
“We have to want to win because any team in this league is capable of winning.”
The scores:
First Game
NLEX 97—Lanete 24, Raymundo 14, R. Pascual 11, Adeogun 10, j. Pascual 9, Dela Cruz 8, Ganuelas 7, Hermida 6, Dela Rosa 4, Long 4, k. Pascual 0.
BIG CHILL 88—Cervantes 18, Heruela 18, Baloria 11, Maiquez 9, Canlas 8, Mirza 6, Villahermosa 6, Brondial 6, Apinan 6, Belleza 0, Santos 0, Lozada 0, Miranda 0.
Quarters: 27-13, 46-28, 71-53, 97-88
Second Game
CAGAYAN VALLEY 75—Bringas 21, Celada 12, Melano 11, Pinto 9, Trollano 6, Mabulac 5, Collado 5, Ighalo 1, Jamito 0, Caperal 0, Foronda 0.
BLACKWATER SPORTS 68—Llagas 17, Bulawan 13, Cruz 13, A. Mangahas 8, Avillanoza 6, Austria 5, Acibar 2, Suguitan 2, J. Mangahas 1, Ciriacruz 1, Manguera 0.
Quarters: 24-16, 48-35, 60-56, 75-68