PBA: NLEX gets share of No. 1 after turning back Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines—NLEX gained a share of the top spot after blasting Rain or Shine, 111-91, in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome.

After falling behind by double digits in the first two quarters, the Road Warriors shifted into high gear in the second half and just left the Elasto Painters in the dust.

“Good thing that we woke up in time. First half I had some worries because we were behind by double digits. We felt we came into the game flat and we’re not focused mentally,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao, whose squad tied TNT in first place at 7-1.

Guiao’s concerns were shortlived as the Road Warriors came alive behind their troika of Manny Harris, Kiefer Ravena and Poy Erram.

“We tightened up the defense in the second half. Offensively, we got into our flow and rhythm so we were able to regain the momentum in the second half,” Guiao said.

“We’re right in a position where we want to be. We never dreamed to be at number one at this point of the conference,” he added.

Harris showed another facet of his game and notched a triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists after erupting for 45 and 40 points in his first two games with NLEX.

Erram added a near double-double with 12 points and eight rebounds that went with two blocks while Ravena also scored 12 on top of six assists.

The Elasto Painters drew 20 points and eight rebounds from the debuting Richard Ross, who replaced Kwame Alexander and became the team’s fourth import this conference.

But not even another change in reinforcement could turn their fortunes around as the Painters slid to 2-7.