Rome Dela Rosa of NLEX (dark) vs Dave Najorda of Hogs Breath (light). Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — NLEX sustained its strong start to blast Hog’s Breath Cafe 91-58 in the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Tuesday at the Meralco Gym.
The Road Warriors broke the game wide open early and would led by as much as 37 points to easily nail their third win in as many games.
“I’m pleased with the way the guys responded today. I challenged them to play defense,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
“We allowed our opponents to score an average of 89 points in our first two games. Coming into this one, our goal is to limit Hog’s to 60 points. I thought the guys were focused all game.”
The Road Warriors wasted no time in showing Fernandez that they’re were up for the challenge.
Ola Adeogun anchored the early NLEX attack with 11 points in the first quarter where the Road Warriors led, 28-14, and never let-up.
Adeogun, the San Beda center, finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds while Jake Pascual added 12. Matthew Ganuelas and Rome dela Rosa contributed 10 each.
Paul Sanga paced the skidding Razorbacks, who reeled to a 0-3 start, with 14 points.
The Road Warriors have yet to parade two-time UAAP MVP Ray Parks but it won’t be long until the National University star makes his debut for the perennial champions.
“He’s just catching up with some school requirements to graduate but I think he’s playing next game,” said Fernandez, who will miss NLEX’s next three games to be with San Beda in Lithuania as part of the Red Lions preparations for the next NCAA season.