PBA D-League: Chris Ellis carries NLEX past Cobra

MANILA, Philippines—Fil-American slasher Chris Ellis notched a new career high as he sparked NLEX to a 81-65 domination of cellar-dwelling Cobra Monday in the 2011 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.

Ellis broke his record of 11 points in the previous conference and finished with a team-best 18 points, along with three rebounds, as the Road Warriors get back in the winning track.

The inaugural champion is in a prime spot to advance to the quarterfinals, but is also aiming for the outright spot to the semis.

RR Garcia, who added 12 points, five rebounds and six assists, capped the Road Warriors’ fourth victory with six straight points in the last two minutes of play.

NLEX asserted its might over Cobra throughout the game and led by as big as 21 points.

The Iron Men showed signs of resistance in the second quarter where they trimmed the lead down to five, 27-32, on baskets by Jhon Rey Sumido.

But that was the closest Cobra would get as the deficit would balloon anew just a minute into the third period with NLEX’s Ellis relentless in the attack, highlighted by a two-handed jam and a triple.

Josan Nimes, NCAA Rookie of the Year, shot 24 points and collared five rebounds in a losing effort for the Iron Men, with Sumido adding 12 more points.