BORACAY Rum’s Mark Belo completes a fast-break play off Rodrigue Ebondo of Cafe France. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines —After a couple of jittery wins, NLEX got its old intimidating form back Tuesday to grab the solo lead in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Meralco Gym.
The Road Warriors, riding a balanced assault led by Ola Adeogun, broke the game wide open early and dumped Hog’s Breath Cafe, 91-58, to stretch their unbeaten run to three games.
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said he’s finally “pleased” with his players’ defensive game after his five-time champions held the Razorbacks’ output to below 60.
“I challenged them to play defense,” said Fernandez. “I was not happy with our first two games where, on the average, we allowed our opponents to score 89 points.”
Boracay Rum, though, spoiled Cafe France’s bid to join the Road Warriors on top after forging an 80-79 escape.
Mac Belo drained a corner jumper with 8.4 ticks left for the game-winner, just less than 30 seconds after Chris Banchero nailed a layup that pushed the Waves within a point, 78-79.
“We won this one by stroke of luck,” said Boracay Rum coach Lawrence Chongson.
Banchero drilled a game-high 19 points and Prince Caperal shot 11 to lead the Waves to a 2-1 record, putting them in a tie with the Bakers, who wound up scoreless in the final minute.
Adeogun buried a team-high 13 points as the Road Warriors zoomed to a 28-14 start and kept a comfortable distance the rest of the way.
Fernandez said the loaded Road Warriors are expecting the arrival of another amateur star in Ray Parks, who hopes to suit up next week after finishing his school commitments.
The scores:
First Game
BORACAY RUM 80—Banchero 19, Caperal 11, Taha 10, Belo 10, Ignacio 8, Bautista 5, Ilagan 5, Roño 5, Cabrera 3, Sabelina 2, Tagarda 2, Lingganay 0, Siruma 0.
CAFE FRANCE 79—Ebondo 18, Cortes 18, Montilla 14, Abundo 11, Sedurifa 7, Batino 5, Acidre 3, Gallardo 3, Opiso 0, De Leon 0, Banua 0, Mutombo 0.
Quarters: 19-23, 39-38, 59-64, 80-79
Second Game
NLEX 91—Adeogun 13, J. Pascual 12, Dela Rosa 10, Ganuelas 10, Lanete 9, R. Pascual 8, Long 7, Amer 5, Dela Cruz 4, Alas 4, K. Pascual 3, Koga 2.
HOG’S BREATH CAFE 58—Sanga 14, Gabawan 10, Avillanoza 10, Robles 8, Rios 5, Canta 3, Najorda 3, Belencion 3, Racal 2, Ruaya 0, Austria 0, Publico 0, Terso 0, Macasaet 0.
Quarters: 28-14, 48-29, 69-43, 91-58