PBA: NLEX finally gets win, clips sister team Meralco

NLEX said goodbye to its five-game skid as it put the smack down on sister team Meralco, 91-84, in the PBA Governor’s Cup Wednesday evening at Cuneta Astrodome.

It was a terrible end for the Road Warriors in the Commissioner’s Cup and a poor start in the Governor’s Cup, losing three straight in the former conference and first two in the on-going tournament.

A combination of luck and defense aided the Road Warriors in the end-game as the Bolts made a house of bricks in the three-point area.

Road Warriors head coach Boyet Fernandez thanked his players for sticking to the system despite losing five straight.

“I do thank my guys for sticking to our system. We lost five straight dating back to last conference, but still, I appreciate them for staying with the system,” Fernandez said as his team improved to a 1-2 win-loss card.

“The team had a lot of pressure on them, but they woke up from the slump. It was really a good message from the bosses that NLEX is the only team from the MVP group that haven’t won this conference.”

Kwame Alexander had a 29-point, 17-rebound night for NLEX while veteran big man Asi Taulava also recorded his own double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.

NLEX’ Asian import Michael Madanly was out for the game as he is still recovering from his neck injury that he suffered in their game against Barako Bull.

Andre Emmett was once again superb for Meralco as he finished with 44 points and 11 rebounds but his effort was for naught.

Meralco’s Asian import Seiya Ando debuted with 18 points for the 1-2 Bolts. CC