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It was indeed a happy Easter Sunday for NLEX as it reached the .500 mark after a commanding victory over struggling Blackwater, 88-75, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Colisuem.
Al Thornton capped off the Road Warriors’ 11-1 drive in the fourth with an emphatic dunk to put NLEX up, 81-69, with 2:43 left.
NLEX improved to 4-4 in the standings to strengthen its position in the playoff race as it stayed at seventh seed.
Road Warriors head coach Boyet Fernandez said it was team defense that fueled their run in the final moments of the fourth as they held off the Elite to just 15 points in the payoff period.
“Well, it’s really our defense that stepped up today,” Fernandez said. “Our goal is to limit Blackwater to 90 [points] or below, and we’re happy we limited them below 80.”
NLEX was on the receiving end of two brutal losses to Mahindra and Rain or Shine where the Road Warriors allowed more than 100 points in both games.
“The last two weeks we practiced on emphasizing our defense.”
Asi Taulava produced a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double for NLEX while Thornton also finished with 22 points.
Sean Anthony added 15 points and eight rebounds while Kevin Alas had 10 points.
Art Dela Cruz led the Elite (3-6) with 16 points and 12 boards while import MJ Rhett added 14 points and 18 rebounds.