NLEX routs Café France; Lanete producing ‘MVP numbers’

Garvo Lanete of NLEX (dark) vs jam Cortez of Cafe France (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion NLEX ran away in the third quarter to beat Café France, 93-68, and stay on track for a top two finish in the 2014 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Making a strong case for the MVP award, Garvo Lanete again led the way for the Road Warriors with 20 points, nine in the pivotal third period, where his team zoomed to a 69-49 lead and never relented.

“I’m happy that we got this win in preparation for our game against Blackwater. It will be a tough game for us but I hope we can carry this win against them,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

“I’m happy that Garvo is consistent the last eight games. Hopefully, he can stay healthy and he will continue to help us in our drive. He is really playing well. MVP numbers,” Fernandez said of his star shooting guard out of San Beda.

Former Ateneo Blue Eagle Kirk Long and former San Sebastian Stag Ronald Pascual combined to hit the Road Warriors’ six of their nine triples with four coming late in the third quarter.

Jam Cortes came away with a game-high 21 points but the Bakers’ scoring guards Josan Nimes  and Mac Montilla were held to a minimum. Nimes scored just six points while Montilla didn’t score in 24 minutes.

NLEX shot 55% from the field while Café France, which slid down to seventh and currently out of the playoff picture with a 7-4 record struggled at 33% while also missing 15 out of its 28 attempts at the line.

The Road Warriors also moved the ball well with 24 assists on 34 made baskets and committed only 12 turnovers while the Bakers had more miscues (14) than assists (12).