NLEX, Big Chill rip PBA D-League rivals

GARVO Lanete of NLEX gets the shorter end in this rebound struggle with Reil Cervantes and Jericho Cruz of Blackwater Sports in yesterday’s PBA D-League game at JCGO gym in Cubao. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Garvo Lanete sparked NLEX’s rally while Art dela Cruz and Kevin Alas applied the finishing touches in the Road Warriors’ 102-84 rout of Blackwater Sports in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at JCSGO Gym.

Lanete, last conference’s Most Valuable Player, pumped in 13 of his game-high 19 points in the third quarter to put the Road Warriors ahead, 71-69, after trailing for most of the first half.

Dela Cruz and Alas then combined for 15 points in a 22-6 blast that gave the Road Warriors an 18-point cushion, 93-75, midway in the fourth period.

Big Chill also opened its campaign going with an 81-73 tripping of Hog’s Breath Cafe, in the first game.

Jeckster Apinan drilled 18 points in the game the Superchargers controlled all the way after a blistering 19-3 start.

“I’m happy with the way we played defense,” coach Robert Sison said of his Superchargers, the losing finalist to the Road Warriors last conference.

“I think the guys realized their roles and they are stepping up.”

Jake Pascual also delivered 16 points and seven rebounds while Alas added 12 markers for the Road Warriors, who have yet to parade new recruit Bobby Parks.

Parks, the two-time UAAP MVP reportedly still has to attend to prior commitments.

The heated game also saw Blackwater’s Reil Cervantes getting ejected for punching NLEX center Ola Adeogun at the back of the head with two minutes left.

“There’s no problem with the physicality of the game, but when the intention is to hurt, I think it has no place in the league,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

The scores:

First Game

BIG CHILL 81—Apinan 18, Maiquez 11, Heruela 10, Canlas 9, Lozada 8, Brondial 8, Villahermosa 7, Celada 5, Miranda 4, Santos 1, Bonifacio 0

HOG’S BREATH CAFE 73—Belencion 11, Canta 10, Gabawan 10, Najorda 9, Sanga 8, Ruaya 7, Terso 7, Robles 5, Publico 4, Racal 2, Austria 0, Rios 0, Macasaet 0, Avillanoza 0.

Quarters: 23-8, 41-26, 61-50, 81-73

Second Game

NLEX 102—Lanete 19, J. Pascual 16, Alas 12, R. Pascual 11, Adeogun 10, Dela Cruz 10, K. Pascual 9, Long 7, Dela Rosa 4, Amer 2, Ganuelas 2, Hermida 0. Koga 0.

BLACKWATER SPORTS 84—Bulawan 15, Cervantes 15, J. Cruz 11, Mangahas 10, Pinto 8, Trollano 6, Ferrer 4, Llagas 4, M. Cruz 3, Ciriacruz 3, Austria 3, Manguera 2, Pe 0, Acibar 0.

Quarters: 10-17, 44-48, 71-69, 102-84