NLEX unveiled a new cast who flashed awesome firepower in a 101-71 crushing of Erase Xfoliant Tuesday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena.
“This team is different,” said coach Boyet Fernandez as the Road Warriors launched their bid for a fourth straight championship with an explosive show behind a young but powerful lineup led by Ateneo’s Nico Salva and San Beda’s Baser Amer.
“We have the youngest team right now in terms of age average and we haven’t really practiced as a complete team. But the way they passed the ball, it’s like they’re familiar with each other.”
Garvo Lanete pumped in 17 points to lead six NLEX players in double figures, while Ian Sangalang had 14 points and seven rebounds.
Earlier, Cagayan Valley picked up its second straight triumph with an 88-79 decision of Boracay Rum to grab the early lead in the 11-team field.
Meanwhile, the league forfeited Fruitas’ Thursday victory, 88-82, over Café France as the Shakers fielded an ineligible player in the first half of the game.
Commissioner Chito Salud reversed the results and fined the Shakers P25,000 since forward Joseph Erioubu lacked “documentary requirements to prove that he is a Filipino citizen.”
The scores:
First Game
NLEX 101—Lanete 17, Sangalang 14, Salva 13, Ganuelas 13, Long 12, R. Pascual 10, Sumalinog 7, Camson 6, Amer 2, J. Pascual 2, Hermida 2, Alas 2, Garcia 1, Escoto 0.
ERASE XFOLIANT 71—Matute 22, Mendoza 15, Acosta 8, Stevens 7, Allen 5, Thompson 4, Gomez 4, Babayeme 4, Cornejo 2, Vidal 2, Arboleda 0, Vijandre 0.
Quarters: 30-19, 49-30, 76-44, 101-71
Second Game
CAGAYAN 88—Exciminiano 23, Almazan 20, Webb, 12, Forrester 7, Bringas 7, Poligrates 6, Lao 5, Melano 4, Celada 4, Bartolo 0, Chiong 0, Macuha 0.
BORACAY RUM 79—Cabrera 17, Acibar 11, Viernes 10, Khobuntin 9, Ilagan 9, Taha 7, Tolentino 6, Sabellina 4, Siruma 3, Bandaying 3, Eguilos 0, Foronda 0.
Quarters: 29-13, 47-36, 69-61, 88-79