NLEX takes first win, NorthPort remains winless

NLEX avoided NorthPort’s comeback offer in the fourth quarter to claim a 102-88 win on Wednesday night and ultimately end a poor start in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Foundation Sports and Cultural Center. University of Angeles.

The Road Warriors had a 23-4 explosion after the Batang Pier approached a point early in the bounty period to break through the win column after losing to Barangay Geneva San Miguel, Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok and Blackwater. Elite.

Kiefer Ravena scored 25 points, JR Quinahan scored 17, Kevin Alas produced 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists and Jericho Cruz added 10 points for NLEX.

“It’s definitely harder than usual due to the unique circumstances we find ourselves in, so we were just trying to be as positive as possible,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. “We feel like if we could keep our energy, if we could lift each other up and be positive, maybe we can still get something out of this tournament. It’s good that we could do that. “

Guiao also said NLEX had a great opportunity after NorthPort lost Sean Anthony, who sat on the bench with 31 seconds left in the first quarter and never came back due to a hamstring problem.

Anthony entered the game averaging 19.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals.

His teammate Christian Standhardinger, who produced 21.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals in the first three games, stayed under control with just seven points despite a season-high 13 rebounds, forcing the Batang pier to seek other sources on the offensive. .

They found one in Kevin Ferrer and rookie Sean Manganti, who sparked an 8-2 run at NorthPort to start the fourth to cut NLEX’s lead to 77-76. But Alas and Ravena combined for 10 in a 14-1 response, putting the Road Warriors ahead 91-77 with less than six minutes to go.

Ferrer finished with 18 points, while Manganti recorded 16 points with four rebounds and three assists, while the Batang spring was winless after four games.

Scores:

NLEX 102 – Ravena 25, Quinahan 17, Alas 16, Cruz 10, Miranda 9, Porter 8, Soyud 7, Ayonayon 6, Ighalo 2, McAloney 2, Semerad 0, Galanza 0, Paniamogan 0.

NORTHPORT 88 – Ferrer 18, Manganti 16, Lanete 13, Taha 10, Elorde 8, Revilla 8, Standhardinger 7, Subido 6, Nabong 2, Anthony 0, Cruz 0, Guinto 0.

Trimesters: 20-15, 49-39, 75-68, 102-88.