Jake Pascual of NLEX is sandwiched between Lucas Tagarna and Maclean Sabellina of Boracay Rum. PBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — NLEX flexed its muscle for the second straight game, stopping Boracay Rum on its tracks 106-84 on Thursday in the 2013 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
But even with the Road Warriors’ offense finally picking up for a 2-2 slate, head coach Boyet Sison feels like they still have a missing piece.
“We’re not really over the hump. We still need a big guy,” Fernandez told reporters at the JCSGO gym in Quezon City.
But Jake Pascual carried the cudgels for NLEX’s front court, missing just three attempts to finish with 19 points. He also had 11 rebounds, an assist, two steals and a block.
“Jake is really stepping up. He’s one of my legit big men right now,” said Fernandez of the San Beda standout.
The Road Warriors poured the points in the first half, building an 18-point lead that ballooned to 27 after three quarters.
Pascual scored all but four of his points in the first quarter alone, then Nico Salva, Kevin Alas and RR Garcia picked up the slack for the rest of the game.
While NLEX seemed poised for a breakout run this conference, Boracay Rum continued to be hobbled with inconsistency.
“I’m just happy I passed Boracay, they’ve been playing well as a team. Our defense really worked against them,” said Fernandez.
Boracay Rum dropped to 3-3 even with Ken Acibar and Jeff Viernes scoring 21 points apiece.