NLEX breathes down Big Chill’s neck

ROI Sumang of Cebuana Lhuillier (left) loses possession as he tries to attack the defense of NLEX guard Kirk Long in yesterday’s game at JCSGO gym. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines – NLEX inched closer to a familiar spot as the streaking Road Warriors clobbered Cebuana Lhuillier, 80-68, in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at JCSGO Gym.

Kevin Alas and Garvo Lanete again stood at the forefront of a decisive breakaway where the duo combined for 22 of the team’s 28 points in the third quarter that gave the Road Warriors their biggest lead at 19 points, 67-48.

The victory stretched the Road Warriors’ winning streak to six for a 9-1 record, just a win shy of league leader Big Chill (10-1).

“I’m just happy that everybody was looking forward to make it to the playoffs,” coach Boyet Fernandez said of his Road Warriors.

Cagayan Valley boosted its own quarterfinal bid following a 101-92 tripping of the ousted National U-Banco de Oro in the first game.

Mark Bringas had 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Adrian Celada fired 18 of his 20 points in the second half to power the Risings Suns to a share of fourth at 8-3.

The scores:

First Game

CAGAYAN VALLEY 101—Bringas 21, Celada 20, Trollano 16, Melano 15, Collado 10, Mabulac 8, Cruz 7, Pinto 4, Mercader 0, Jamito 0, Ighalo 0, Parala 0, Gonzales 0, Foronda 0.

NU-BDO 92—Rosario 24, Khobuntin 18, Parks 15, Roño 12m Labing-isa 9, Villamor 7, Javelona 4, Neypes 2, Perez 1.

Quarters: 20-22, 54-46, 78-72, 101-92

Second Game

NLEX 80—Lanete 21, Alas 18, Ganuelas 13, Dela Cruz 6, J. Pascual 5, Long 5, Adeogun 4, K. Pascual 2, R. Pascual 2, Hermida 2, Raymundo 0, Koga 0, Amer 0.

CEBUANA LHUILLIER 68—Zamar 16, Javier 10, Sumang 8, Martinez 8, Gamalinda 6, Paredes 5, Banal 4, Casajeros 4, Padilla 3, Leynes 2, Olivares 1, Bustos 1.

Quarters: 15-12, 39-28, 67-48, 80-68