MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion NLEX posted another blowout victory even as newcomer Fruitas spoiled Cebuana Lhuillier’s bid to join the early leaders with a 91-90 decision in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at Trinity University of Asia gym.
Ian Sangalang, the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player, scattered a game-high 21 points on top of 10 rebounds and a pair of blocks as the defending champion Road Warriors blasted Boracay Rum, 88-73, to join idle Big Chill on top with their second straight win.
Sangalang fired seven straight points as NLEX took the lead at 15-5 and the Road Warriors stretched their advantage to 22 points, 84-62, late in the game.
Nigerian center Ola Adeogun buried 30 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for Fruitas, who clinched the win when Cebuana’s Rex Leynes missed two free throws with seven-tenths of a second left and June Dizon’s follow-up at the buzzer was nullified by game officials.
The Shakers forfeited their debut win over Café France when they fielded an ineligible player.
The Road Warriors, who dumped the Erasers by 30 points, stretched their unbeaten league streak to 19 games.
The scores:
First Game
NLEX 88—Sangalang 21, Lanete 11, R. Pascual 9, Salva 8, Alas 8, Garcia 7, Camson 7, Hermida 6, Ganuelas 5, J. Pascual 4, Amer 2, Escoto 0, Long 0, Sumalinog 0.
BORACAY RUM 73—Khobuntin 17, Acibar 13, Bandaying 11, Santos 9, Taha 7, Viernes 5, Siruma 5, Eguilos 4, Ilagan 2.
Quarters: 26-15, 44-31, 66-53, 88-73
Second Game
FRUITAS 91—Adeogun 30, Lastimosa 19, Dela Rosa 8, Belleza 6, Silungan 6, Caram 5, Terso 5, Colina 4, Escueta 4, Hernandez 2, Pascual 2, Mendoza 0, Koga 0, Paguia 0.
CEBUANA L. 90—Dizon 17, Zamar 14, Custodio 13, Leynes 11, Rowe 8, sarangay 8, Mabayo 5,Aguilar 4, Daroya 3, Buensuceso 3, Bagaras 2, Mangahas 2, TrinidaD 0, Suguitan 0.
Quarters: 25-18, 43-44, 73-67, 91-90