PBA: NLEX bounces back, sidetracks Columbian
NLEX put another roadblock in Columbian’s way after registering a 116-104 victory in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Road Warriors, who bounced back from their horrible 102-72 loss in their last game, returned to winning form and improved to a 2-1 record while the Dyip remained still winless after three games.
After a back-and-forth affair in the first three quarters, the Road Warriors managed to head into a freeway of offense, going on a 11-0 run to take a 102-89 lead early in the payoff period.
NLEX assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa said their strong start in the fourth quarter wouldn’t have happened if not for defense.
Columbian went just 16-of-46 in the second half, after making 23 is 46 attempts in the first two quarters.
“We knew that coming in Columbian is no push over so we told the team that we need to earn this win tonight,” said Lastimosa who’s still in charge while head coach Yeng Guiao is in the Asian Games with the national team.
“For some reason we were able to defend well in the second half so we’re happy about that.”
Columbian managed to put up a fight in the latter stages of the period after Akeem Wright knocked down a three to cut NLEX’ lead to five, 107-102, with 3:24 left but JR Quiñahan countered back with a triple of his own just 14 seconds later for the Road Warriors’ 110-102 buffer.
Quiñahan once again found himself giving some much-needed firepower when he converted on an open three-pointer from the right wing for NLEX’ 116-104 lead with 55.3 seconds left.
Aaron Fuller led the Road Warriors with 35 points and 21 rebounds in his return to the team after he was called in to be the team’s replacement import with Oluseyi Ashaolu having therapy on his injured right knee.
Larry Fonacier added 17 points to NLEX’ fight with Kenneth Ighalo putting up 15 points and the duo of Quiñahan and Bong Galanza pitching in 10 points apiece.
Wright had 37 points and 17 rebounds for the Dyip while Jerramy King added 22 points.
RELATED VIDEO
Post-game with NLEX assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa. NLEX beat Columbian 116-104.
Posted by Inquirer Sports on Wednesday, August 29, 2018
