Lanete returns as NLEX rips Hog’s Breath in semis opener

Garvo Lanete. PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines —Guards Kevin Alas and Garvo Lanete teamed up to lead an early scoring binge as NLEX hardly broke a sweat in a 99-74 whipping of Hog’s Breath at the start of the semifinal round of the 2014 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan.

Alas and Lanete alone outscored the Razorbacks, 15-12, in the first quarter where the Road Warriors had jumped out to a commanding 31-12 advantage and never relented pushing their lead past the 30-point plateau in the second half.

“We just caught Hog’s on their off night. I credit the boys for challenging their shots. We just won this game but we still have to win another one. I was really surprised by the way they (Hog’s Breath) played,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

“Hog’s is a very dangerous team. They have a good coach and good lineup they just missed their shots.”

The Razorbacks shot just 30% from the field and missed 15 out of their 20 attempts from long range.

Defending champion NLEX shoots for another Finals appearance on Thursday in Game 2 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

No. 2 Big Chill and last conference’s champion Blackwater Sports dispute the other championship berth.

Lanete looked sharp in his return after missing two games due to a shoulder injury, scoring 10 points in the first half en route to a game-high 23 points in 21 minutes. Alas posted all of his 12 points in the first half.

Hog’s Breath head coach Caloy Garcia was ejected at the 4:30 mark of the third quarter after picking up two technical fouls.

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