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The return of Yeng Guiao gave NLEX a shot in the arm and old reliable Larry Fonacier made sure the Road Warriors welcomed their head coach back in the best possible way.
Guiao called the shots for the Road Warriors for the first time in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup after missing five games due to his coaching duties with the Philippine team in the Asian Games and Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“I guess we missed coach Yeng,” said Fonacier.
The rest of the Road Warriors could say the same for Fonacier, who delivered a throwback performance on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old swingman caught fire from long range just like old times when he was still playing his best basketball as a member of the Talk ’N Text franchise where he won five of his seven PBA championships from 2010 to 2017.
Fonacier racked up 24 points, erupting for 22 in the second half, to shoot NLEX past previously-unbeaten Blackwater, 124-106.
It was the most points Fonacier has had in five years, as per PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon, in a game where NLEX also set a franchise record with 20 made 3-pointers.
The former Ateneo standout, though, said he just seized the opportunities where he was left open.
He also owed his sterling outing to his coaches and teammates.
“It’s just understanding the system and flowing with it. Like coach Yeng said there will be open shots for shooters and it’s up to us to take advantage of the opportunities,” said Fonacier.
“Just credit to the whole staff of NLEX for getting me back in shape, nursing me back to health and coach Yeng and his system is really friendly for shooters. My teammates we all played together and we all aimed to make each other better and it just so happened that I had a lot of openings,” added Fonacier, who was sidelined for the remainder of last conference after suffering from a bruised rib and collapsed lung in a game against Barangay Ginebra three months ago.
Fonacier made six of his nine 3-pointers, including two straight that sealed the Road Warriors’ fourth win against two losses and the Elite’s first setback after a 4-0 start.
“There was really no initiative for me to take over the system earlier. I mean, I was just flowing with it. The openings were just there so I just took advantage of it. Like I said, I’m not here to be the main threat or anything. I just take what the defense gives me. My priority is to make my teammates better and for NLEX to win, that’s it.”