PBA: NLEX wins back to back, frustrates Meralco

MANILA, Philippines–NLEX marched to its second straight win at the expense of sister team Meralco, 105-99, in Friday night’s PBA Governors’ Cup contest at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Road Warriors got the goods from JR Quiñahan, who scored 19 points to lead three more big productions from the bench that include Kiefer Ravena and Kenneth Ighalo, who both tossed in 15 each.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve put together two wins in a row,” Coach Yeng Guiao, whose charges took early control of the standings. “So it really feels good.”

“I just hope we could sustain it,” he added, noting the upcoming task which will come in the form of Blackwater this coming Sunday.

“We’re playing balanced basketball—which is for me the best news. Despite of our import, our locals are also contributing on the offensive,” Guiao said.

Olu Ashaolu 17 points and 13 rebounds to negate Allen Durham’s eye-popping numbers of 32 points and 19 rebounds for Meralco.

Raymond Almazan had another solid outing tallying 17 in both the scoring and rebounding departments, but could only do so much for the Bolts, who slid to 1-1 in the third conference.

Meralco seeks to rebound against winless Alaska in a clash at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Friday next week.

POST-GAME INTERVIEW

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