New NLEX import Manny Harris. PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO–NLEX pounced on Columbian early and kept an iron grip on the lead until the final buzzer to carve out a gutsy 117-111 decision Wednesday night at Ynares Center here.
Manny Harris put together a scintillating debut, making his presence felt on both ends with 45 points, three steals and three blocks.
“He’s a gamer, a competitor. And he did what he had to do, he needed to do for us to win this game,” coach Yeng Guiao said of import Manny Harris, who replaced Olu Ashaolu.
“We took a gamble. Olu was doing well for us and brought us to where we are,” he said. “But this is worth the risk … He did better than we expected.”
JR Quiñahan fired 15 points off the bench—including a clutch trey to foul the Dyip’s comeback.
Kiefer Ravena tossed in 11 more in the effort that put the Road Warriors, now 5-1, on solo second place in the Governors’ Cup.
Four of Columbian’s starters scored 18 or more in the losing that gives them a 3-3 record.
NLEX looks to hike its record when it goes up against pace-setter and sister team TNT Friday next week at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Columbian, which has been alternating between wins and loss, eyes an upset against grand Slam seeking San Miguel Beer on Sunday at the Big Dome.