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SMART CLARK GIGA CITY – NLEX made a stronger case for a playoff spot after giving the worn-out San Miguel a 34-point beating, 124-90, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Angeles University Foundation Arena.
Michael Miranda threw 22 points built on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting from the field as the Road Warriors closed in on their third straight win for an improved 4-5 card at No. 9 behind Magnolia (4-4).
Kevin Alas unleashed an all-out effort with 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Kiefer Ravena and JR Quiñahan added 14 markers each for the team coached by Yeng Guiao.
Jericho Cruz and Anthony Semerad contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the thrashing victory.
“It’s very lucky, we know they don’t have enough staff, they are still tired,” Guiao said. “Now we only have one game plan, we will race. Let’s see if they still have legs. It so happened that his place was very difficult. ”
NLEX, struggling in the early part of the bubble conference, kept its playoff hopes alive after throwing the carpet under TNT (109-98) and Rain or Shine (94-74).
“The magnitude of the difference in our condition three or four weeks ago to our condition right now. We are much sharper. We are much more cohesive both in attack and defense ”.
Alas set the tone for NLEX’s early breakout, with three 3s in a 19-8 run for a 36-25 lead in the first quarter.
The Road Warriors never stopped stepping on the gas and led to 38 points, 113-75, with Miranda losing 20 points in the second half.
Paul Zamar had 23 points while Von Pessumal and Mo Tautuaa had 11 and 10 markers, respectively, for defending champion San Miguel, who suffered his second consecutive setback in less than 24 hours after losing to Phoenix, 110-103.
The Brewers missed Marcio Lassiter’s serves due to a strained calf and fell to No. 7 with a 5-4 record.
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