RR Garcia photo by philippinebasketball.ph
MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion NLEX got off to a blistering start in the 2011 PBA D-League with a 85-61 victory over PC Gilmore Monday at the Adamson Gym.
The Road Warriors, bannering the deepest and most talented roster in the league, were simply head and shoulders above the Wizards as they dominated in every stats department.
RR Garcia, Far Eastern University’s star guard and the newest addition to the already-stacked line up, sizzled with 16 points with all but two coming in the first half.
San Beda’s Garvo Lanete and Dave Marcelo combined for 19 points while San Sebastian’s Ian Sanggalang and Calvin Abueva pitched in a total of 18 points at they teamed up to give NLEX its first win.
The Road Warriors led in rebounds, 60-40, and assists, 24-9, as they led by as big as 24 points and handily quelled any attempts of a comeback by the Wizards in the payoff period.
Carmelo Lim starred in his first game with PC as he finished with a team-best 14 points, with six points coming from beyond the arc.