Warriors keep hopes of quarterfinals alive; Bolts bounce

The NLEX Road Warriors kept alive their hopes of advancing to the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals with a shock loss to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Better Conditioning NLEX started strong and then finished stronger for a 94-74 win over the Elasto Painters yesterday, Wednesday, November 4, at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center with Smart 5G technology. “We are just getting in better shape. Nung umpisa, we weren’t in good shape and our defense was lousy. But in the last few games, yung fitness namin translated extra energy as defense, ”said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. With the victory Road Warriors (3 wins, 5 losses) rose to eighth place in the rankings. The top 8 teams after the Eliminations advance to the quarterfinals, while the other 4 teams are eliminated. In the second game, Meralco Bolts clung to veteran Reynel Hugnatan, who turned 42 two days ago, to bounce back from a loss and survive Blackwater’s challenge with an 89-85 victory. The Bolts advanced to sixth place with the victory. Hugnatan finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal to earn Player of the Game honors. Leading the standings are TNT Tropang Giga (5-1), Rain or Shine (4-2), San Miguel Beermen (5-2), Barangay Ginebra (5-2), Phoenix Super LPG (5-3). Meralco (4-3), Alaska Aces (5-4) and NLEX (3-5). The other teams include Blackwater (2-5), Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (2-4), NorthPort Batang Pier (1-4) and Terrafirma Dyip (0-6). The key to NLEX’s victory was pressure, or the lack of it. Guiao said he wanted a more relaxed team and took pressure off his players. “Sabi ko ang gusto lang natin gawin is the training ground for parang nasa tayo. Magpakundisyon. Learn every day. If we do it right, we will win. If we are doing it wrong, we will just go back to practicing and correct them. So fast, parang na-relax na sila, ”Guiao said. The Road Warriors posted their first straight win series to return to playoff contention after a poor 0-4 start that had most pundits dismiss them early.

In the second game, Blackwater’s Don Trollano entered the paint to score on a layup to cut Meralco’s lead to just 3 points, 75-78, with 3 minutes to go. But Chris Newsome responded with back-to-back field goals to extend Meralco’s lead to 7, 75-82, with 2 minutes to go. Newsome then added a free throw, 75-83, Meralco. Blackwater’s Mike Tolomia drilled a 3-pointer to narrow the gap to just five, 78-83. Raymond Almazan then scored from below virtually resolving the score, 78-85 for Meralco. Game 1 Scores: NLEX Road Warriors 94 – Kevin Alas 18, Jericho Cruz 17, JR Quiñahan 13, Raul Soyud 9, Mike Miranda 8, Kiefer Ravena 7, Anthony Semerad 7, Philip Paniamogan 5, Paul Varilla 5, Paul Galanza 5, Will McAloney 2, Mike Ayonayon 0. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 74 – Rey Nambatac 15, Jewel Ponferada 10, Beau Belga 7, Gabe Norwood 7, Kris Rosales 7, Norbert Torres 7, Prince Rivero 7, Javee Mocon 5, Mark Borboran 5 , Adrian Wong 3, Sydney Onwubere 1, James Yap 0, Clint Doliguez 0, Ryan Araña 0, Vince Tolentino 0. Quarter scores: 24-18, 42-39, 64-57, 94-75. Game 2 Scores: Meralco Bolts 89 – Chris Newsome 19, Reynel Hugnatan 14, Bong Quinto 14, Cliff Hodge 11, Allein Maliksi 10, Raymond Almazan 7, Aaron Black 4, Baser Amer 4, Nico Salva 4, Jammer Jamito 2, Trevis Jackson 0, Raymar Jose 0, Nard Pinto 0. Blackwater Elite 85 – Roi Sumang 15, Richard Escoto 13, Mike Tolomia 10, Niño Canaleta 8, Ed Daquioag 6, Frank Golla 5, Mac Belo 4, Marion Magat 4, Ron Dennison 4 , Matt Salem 0, Jonjon Gabriel 0. Quarter scores: 25-15, 44-36, 66-59, 89-85.