NLEX import Henry Walker. PBA IMAGES
Henry Walker showed why he is a cut above the rest, anchoring NLEX to a 96-90 victory over Blackwater to start the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The returning reinforcement exploded for a career-high 44 points, 24 coming from a blazing first quarter showing, to go with six rebounds and two assists in his triumphant return to the league.
“We started really strong in the first quarter, especially Henry who scored 24 in the first quarter. It really started our game,” said coach Boyet Fernandez. “As I told the guys, we really have to start strong and match their energy. I thought they will get inspired from their Gilbert (Bulawan), but medyo kami ang nag-start ng maganda.”
Before the game, Blackwater paid tribute to its fallen player Gilbert Bulawan who passed away due to a severe heart attack two weeks back.
NLEX jumped to an early 10-point advantage, 17-7, and even held a lead as big as 17, 78-61, before a furious Blackwater fightback trimmed the deficit down to four, 94-90, on a Eric Dawson undergoal stab with 7.6 seconds remaining.
Mac Baracael, however, got free on the other end to seal the win and end the rally for good with a layup.
Baracael finished with 12 markers and four boards in his new team, while Kevin Alas also got 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Jonas Villanueva also had 11 markers in the win.
Though Fernandez was glad with NLEX’s scintillating opening salvo, he rued the team’s weak finishing which allowed the Elite to claw their way back in the game.
“We just played around in the fourth and we can’t do that. Again, we are a new team in terms of personnel and we just have to learn from it,” he said.
Returning import Eric Dawson topped Blackwater with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks.
Carlo Lastimosa also had 16 markers, while Mike Cortez got 12.
The Scores:
NLEX 96 – Walker 44, Alas 12, Baracael 12, J. Villanueva 11, Taulava 5, Soyud 4, Forrester 3, Lanete 3, E. Villanueva 2, Akl 0, Khobuntin 0, Monfort 0, Reyes 0.
BLACKWATER 90 – Dawson 27, Lastimosa 16, Cortez 14, Sena 8, Sumang 8, Canada 5, Pascual 5, Gamalinda 4, Dela Cruz 2, Erram 1, Cervantes 0.
Quarters: 31-16, 53-39, 78-68, 96-90.