NLEX’s preseason acquisitions paid dividends early.
Sean Anthony and Simon Enciso, both acquired through separate trades, came through in the second half as NLEX fought off a gritty challenge from Blackwater, 90-86, Friday in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“[Trades] gave us good results,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “It showed we made the right choice.”
Alaska, meanwhile, made short work of Talk ‘N Text’s buildup in the offseason, spoiling the debut of its 1-2 rookie punch with a 114-98 victory in the second game.
But Alaska coach Alex Compton said this was not the right time to judge Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, the top two picks of this year’s rookie draft who combined for just six points in the defeat where the Texters trailed by as many as 20 points.
“They’re good players, they’re fine young men,” Compton said of the TNT rookie duo. “They missed a lot of preseason too because of Gilas, but once they get their feet a little more wet, they’ll be great. They won’t just be good, they’ll be great.”
Asi Taulava kept the Road Warriors steady on the way to a game-high 19 points, including four clutch free throws inside the last 37 seconds. The 42-year-old big man also grabbed 12 boards.
Anthony, acquired from Meralco in a three-team trade last month, likewise stepped up big by dropping half of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. He fell short of a triple-double with 12 rebounds and seven assists.
Enciso, a second-round pick NLEX acquired from Rain or Shine, debuted with 15 points and played a pivotal role in the Road Warriors’ second-half run.
Action heads to Davao City for the Petron Saturday Special featuring San Miguel Beer and Globalport at 5 p.m. at University of Southeastern Philippines.
The scores:
First Game
NLEX 90—Taulava 19, Enciso 15, Anthony 14, Borboran 10, Villanueva 8, Apinan 6, Cardona 5, Reyes 5, Alas 4, Khobuntin 4, Arboleda 0.
BLACKWATER 86—Agovida 15, Reyes 13, Cervantes 12, Ballesteros 10, Lastimosa 7, Gamalinda 6, Sena 6, Cortez 5, Melano 5, Cañada 3, Erram 2, Golla 2, Bulawan 0, Vosotros 0.
Quarters: 17-26, 41-42, 60-59, 90-86
Second Game
ALASKA 114—Manuel 22, Casio 17, Thoss 17, Abueva 15, Banchero 14, Baguio 8, Baclao 6, Hontiveros 6, Jazul 4, Exciminiano 3, Dela Rosa 2, Dela Cruz 0, TALK ‘N TEXT 98—De Ocampo 26, Castro 19, Fonacier 15, R. Reyes 9, Rosser 7, Carey 6, J. Reyes 5, Rosario 4, Aban 3, Miranda 2, Tautuaa 2, Ababou 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarters: 30-18; 62-46, 89-73; 114-98