NLEX stifles defending champ Barangay Ginebra
MANILA, Philippines — NLEX got its first win of the year stomping down Barangay Ginebra, 94-75, in the PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Road Warriors bounced back from their 83-82 heartbreaker in their first game and in the process spoiled Christian Standhardinger’s debut for the Gin Kings.
Article continues after this advertisementNLEX, after holding a slim 41-35 lead at the end of the first half, clamped down on the Gin Kings in the third holding Ginebra to a 33.3 percent shooting, 7-of-21, in the penultimate frame.
Anthony Semerad capped off an 11-0 NLEX run with a three-pointer for their 70-50 lead with two minutes left in the third.
Kevin Alas finished with a game-high 20 points for the Road Warriors while Kiefer Ravena added 19 points and five assists.
Article continues after this advertisementJR Quiñahan pitched in with his double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds for NLEX.
Japeth Aguilar had 15 points and five rebounds to lead Ginebra while Standhardinger had eight points and 10 rebounds in his first game for his new club.