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NLEX extended its winning streak to three games after a 124-90 blowout over five-time defending champion San Miguel on Friday at the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Kevin Alas, JR Quinahan and Michael Miranda provided the spark as the Road Warriors claimed another scalp from the top half of the standings, a fitting follow-up to their conquests of league leaders TNT and Rain or Shine.
The showdown against San Miguel wasn’t even close, as the Road Warriors’ hot start, coupled with the Beermen’s heavy legs from an intense match against Phoenix Super LPG less than 24 hours ago, set the tone for uncontrolled victory.
NLEX strengthened its bid for a quarter-final spot by improving to 4-5 (win-loss) after a game in which the Road Warriors opened margins of up to 38 points before giving San Miguel one of their strongest losses in the last times.
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After winning four straight games in the bubble, the Beermen fell to 5-4 following back-to-back losses on two consecutive days.
San Miguel also lost Marcio Lassiter in the match due to a calf injury as the Brewers prepare for Sunday’s ‘Clásico’ against Barangay Ginebra.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said that they caught San Miguel on a very bad night.
“Our attitude is that we are still in training ground mode. We just try to get better in every game. We are just trying to get in better shape. Ang laki ng diperensya ng kundisyon namin three or four weeks ago to our condition right now, ”said Guiao.
Heroes were plentiful for NLEX as Miranda hit 8 of 8 from the field, including four 3s, to finish with 22 points, the team’s best. Alas added 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists, and Quinahan and Kiefer Ravena added 14 points.
“We are much sharper, we are much more cohesive both on offense and defense. We are looking at those good sides, “he added.
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NLEX was leading 36-25 at the end of the first quarter and was never seriously threatened again. The Road Warriors’ lead reached the 20-point mark after Kenneth Ighalo scored on a float that put them ahead, 50-29.
San Miguel was trailing 113-75 early in the fourth, and head coach Leo Austria decided to lay down his best gunners in the fourth period.
Paul Zamar led San Miguel with 23 points, while Von Pessumal added 11.
Scores:
NLEX 124 – Miranda 22, Alas 19, Ravena 14, Quinahan 14, Cruz 11, Semerad 10, Porter 9, Soyud 6, Ighalo 6, McAloney 5, Galanza 4, Paniamogan 2, Taulava 2, Varilla 0, Ayonayon 0.
San Miguel 90 – Zamar 23, Pessumal 11, Tautuaa 10, Cabagnot 9, Ross 9, Comboy 8, Santos 8, Alolino 7, Mamaril 4, Gamalinda 1, De Guzman 0, Escoto 0.
Trimesters: 36-25; 67-47; 91-65; 124-90.
