NLEX sets new victory streak

Former Red Lions Anjo Caram and Garvo Lanete go for the ball.

NLEX again showcased its dominating form in the victory that put the three-time PBA D-League champion in the record books.

Bouncing back from recent scrambling wins, the Road Warriors buckled down to work early and dumped Fruitas, 92-73, for a fifth straight win in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Monday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Road Warriors stretched their unbeaten run to a phenomenal 22 games—dating back to January through two conferences—to surpass the longest local winning streak of 21 set by Crispa in the PBA 29 years ago.

“Before the game, I told the boys to be part of history,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “And I think that excited them, to be part of the team that broke a record.”

Borgie Hermida led a balanced charge with 15 points. Nico Salva added 14 and Matt Ganuelas had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Road Warriors.

Earlier, Terrence Romeo knocked in half of his 22 points in the final quarter as Big Chill downed Boracay Rum, 68-59, to keep solo second at 4-0.

Blackwater Sports also held off Air21- Jose Rizal University’s late run, 88-83, behind Gio Ciriacruz in the nightcap.

The scores:

First Game

BIG CHILL 68—Romeo 22, Bringas 12, Collado 11, Montilla 6, Montecastro 5, Villahermosa 5, Lozada 4, Buenafe 2, Brondial 1, Canlas 0.

BORACAY RUM 59— Cabrera 17, Ilagan 11, Acibar 7, Siruma 7, Viernes 5, Taha 4, Eguillos 2, Monteclaro 2, Sabellina 2, Foronda 2, Bandaying 0, Rosopa 0.

Quarters: 17-10, 34-30, 47-48, 68-59

Second Game

NLEX 92—Hermida 15, Salva 14, Ganuelas 13, Long 12, Sangalang 11, Camson 6, Pascual J. 5, Alas 4, Lanete 4, Escoto 3, Amer 3, Pascual R. 2, Sumalinog 0, Garcia 0.

FRUITAS 73—Escobal 25, Lastimosa 15, Belleza 9, Colina 6, Escueta 6, Terso 4, Dela Rosa 3, Caram 2, Pascual 2, Silungan 1.

Quarters: 14-9, 44-29, 70-54, 92-73

Third Game

BLACKWATER SPORTS 88—Ciriacruz G. 15, Chua 14, Celiz 14, Mangahas 11, Ferrer 10, Fortuna 10, Abdul 4, Vigil 4, Mazo 3, Llagas 3, Bagatsing 0, Ciriacruz I. 0.

AIR21-JRU 83—Maiquez 15, Apinan 12, Mirza 11, Ighalo 11, Villarias 8, Acidre 6, Caperal 5, Mabulac 4, Almario 4, Pinto 2, Lopez 2, Miranda 2, Dela Paz 1.

Quarters: 25-21, 40-42, 63-57, 88-83