NLEX, Blackwater zero in on another title duel

NLEX center Ola Adeogon controls possession against Alvin Padilla and Paul Zamar of Cebuana Lhuillier despite slipping on the floor in an offensive play. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX stayed on track in its bid for a perfect run, turning back a pesky Cebuana Lhuillier squad, 70-60, Thursday to move within a win of another championship appearance in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.

The Road Warriors, still unbeaten in 10 games, overcame the Gems’ persistent stand in the second half that saw their 12-point halftime advantage, 35-23, get trimmed to four, 59-55.

Defending champion Blackwater Sports cruised to an 84-70 victory over Jumbo Plastic in Game 1 of the other best-of-three semifinal series.

Game 2 of the semifinals is set Tuesday with the Road Warriors and the Elite vying to arrange a repeat of their championship showdown last season.

Ola Adeogun led the Road Warriors with 11 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Jake Pascual (11 points), Garvo Lanete (11 points) and Kevin Alas (10 points) also helped keep the Gems at bay.

“They remained focus in the game even when Cebuana came back,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “We stepped up our offense and defense.”

Gilbert Bulawan and Jericho Cruz combined for 25 points to power the Elite, who built a 75-50 lead in the fourth quarter.

“Our defense gave us the win,” said Blackwater Sports coach Leo Isaac. “We were able to contain their shooters in the crucial part of the game.” With reports from Xavier Villaluz and Ralph Hernandez

The scores:
First Game
NLEX 70—J. Pascual 11, Adeogun 11, Lanete 11, Alas 10, Dela Rosa 8, Amer 7, Ganuelas 4, Dela Cruz 2, Long 2, K. Pascual 2, R. Pascual 2, Raymundo 0.
CEBUANA LHUILLIER 60—Padilla 15, G. Banal 13, Gamalinda 11, Arellano 7, Acibar 4, Ilad 4, Mangahas 3, Paredes 2, J. Banal 1, Leynes 0, Zamar 0, Sarangay 0.
Quarters: 16-10, 35-23, 50-45, 70-60
Second Game
BLACKWATER SPORTS 84—Bulawsan 13, J. Cruz 12, M. Cruz 11, Ferrer 11, Cervantes 10, Pinto 7, Ciriacruz 7, Trollano 5, Llagas 4, Autria 4, Soyud 0, Mangahas 0, Manguera 0.
JUMBO PLASTIC 70—Viernes 17, Canada 12, Custodio 11, Ballesteros 7, Tan 6, Magat 5, Dehesa 4, Petilos 0.
Quarters: 20-15, 44-35, 66-49, 84-70