Boosted by the return of two key players, defending champion NLEX rolled past Junior Powerade, 86-53, yesterday for its third straight win in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang, returning from a one-game absence because of commitments to San Sebastian’s varsity team, combined for 16 points and 13 rebounds as the Road Warriors, flaunting their firepower, pulled away starting in the second period.
“We thought it was an easy ballgame but Powerade has been improving,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez, whose squad earlier prevailed over Big Chill and RNW Pacific Pipes.
Cebuana Lhuillier, with big men Vic Manuel and Pari Llagas dishing out big games and guard Lester Alvarez delivering in the clutch, also stayed unbeaten by holding off Cafe France, 84-72, for its second straight win.
Earlier, Raymund Ilagan buried a 12-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds left to lift RnW Pacific Pipes to a 69-67 decision over Boracay Rum.
Cliff Hodge dished out a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Road Warriors, while Chris Ellis came through with 12 points, including 10 in the final period when the outcome was already settled.
The Gems watched their 20-point lead cut down to nine heading into the final three minutes. But Lester Alvarez sank a triple and a jumper to restore order for the Gems, who bucked the absence of the injured Kevin Alas.
The scores:
First Game
RNW 69—Buensuceso 18, Ilagan 13, Teng 9, Sanvictores 7, Acidre 6, Gonzales 5, Elinon 4, Mariano 3, Colina 2, Martin 2, Pe 0, Bustos 0.
BORACAY RUM 67—Bandaying 11, Siruma 10, Cornnejo 9, Foronda 9, Sabellina 8 Hermosisima 6, Terso 6, Acibar 4, Eguilos 2, Rosopa 2, Morial 0.
Quarters: 19-13, 35-32, 52-50, 69-67
Second Game
NLEX 86—Hodge 20, Ellis 12, Monfort 10, Abueva 10, Belencion 8, Marcelo 8, Sangalang 6, Lanete 5, Hermida 4, Arao 3, Long 0, Suguitan 0, Dehesa 0, Co 0.
JR POWERADE 53—Padilla 16, Silungan 13, Hipolito 6, Gamboa 5, Gingerich 4, Reyes 4, Escueta 2, Cubo 2, Lopez 1, Wong 0.
Quarters: 23-18, 42-30, 70-41, 86-53
Third Game
C. LHUILLIER 84—Manuel 18, Llagas 13, Alvarez 11, Celada 10, Exciminianon 8, Hayes 6, Lozada 6, Apinan 5, Atkins 4, Almazan 2, Austria 1, Mangahas 0.
CAFÉ FRANCE 72—Orbeta 17, Parala 14, Knuttel 11, Nimes 10, Mabayo 10, Ighalo 5, Guillen 2, Magat 2, Semira 1, Gallardo 0, Jasmin 0.
Quarters: 25-13, 47-24, 62-44, 84-72