Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It took a long time but NLEX finally got its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 107-97 win over Columbian.
The final score, however, wasn’t the complete representation of the game that saw the Road Warriors lose a 31-point lead, 65-34, in the second quarter to just five, 89-84, in the fourth period.
Columbian wasn’t about to be stopped in the third quarter when it outscored the Road Warriors, 36-17, to get to within seven points, 85-78, entering the fourth quarter.
Fortunately for NLEX, it was able to buckle up in the fourth going on a 9-2 run to take a 100-88 lead after Philip Paniamogan’s three-pointer with 4:05 left.
There was also the all-around effort that Poy Erram put on as he finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks.
Erram said that even though they squandered a 31-point lead, they were able to regroup in the fourth in what he described as a testament to the team’s improving chemistry.
“Of course, I’m happy because we won, this is also my first win with NLEX, and we really worked hard for this one and it’s just so satisfying because everyone contributed,” said Erram in Filipino Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Coach Yeng (Guiao) was happy that we he saw everyone contribute and improve. We’re improving individually and the chemistry is there.”
Four more players finished in double figures for the Road Warriors including Marion Magat, who put up a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Erram added that their win seemed to have lifted a huge burden off their chests with the mounting pressure of a 0-3 start slowly becoming a cumbersome feeling for them.
“I breathed a big sigh of relief when we won and when we finally got that victory we were able to breath deeply,” said Erram, who was traded to NLEX from Blackwater for No. 4 pick Paul Desiderio and No. 7 pick Abu Tratter.
“You guys know there’s pressure on my part because they let go a couple of assets to get me,” said Erram. “And now I was finally able to deliver, I was named Best Player. But at the end of the day it’s just one win and we still have a lot more to do, a lot more to improve on.”