The NLEX Road Warriors gave Blackwater a harsh reality check, as they handed the Elite a 124-106 beating to end their four-game winning streak in the 2018 Governors’ Cup, Wednesday evening at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Road Warriors improved to 4-2 and sent the Elite down to the second spot of the standings with a 4-1 card, similar to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The Phoenix Fuel Masters have now emerged on top with a 5-1 record.
“Matagal-tagal kami naghanda kasi this team is for real. We made sure we’re prepared for this game,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao, who was back on the sidelines for the first time since coaching Gilas Pilipinas in the 2018 Asian Games and the fourth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Import Aaron Fuller posted a 20-20 game with 24 points and 20 rebounds. Larry Fonacier produced 24 points as well on 8-of-13 shooting, while Kenneth Ighalo chimed in 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
NLEX started to pull away in the second quarter. From a slim three-point lead with 3:50 on the clock, the Road Warriors zoomed to an 11-4 run – ended by Fuller’s shot inside – to head into the break with a 55-45 advantage.
They then followed it up with a masterful showing in the third canto. A 16-2 scoring spree – punctuated by a Bong Galanza three-pointer – propelled the Road Warriors to their biggest lead at 24, 84-60, with 4:27 remaining.
The Elite still tried to fight back and was able to knock within nine points in the fourth quarter, but Fonacier scored five of the Road Warriors’ six straight points to restore order and close the door, 107-92, with less than five minutes left.
Roi Sumang led Blackwater with 24 points with six rebounds and three assists. Import Henry Walker flirted with a triple-double of 16 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Nard Pinto chipped in 15 markers.
JP Erram did not play in the game due to a viral infection
Both teams will play again on October 5, Friday, still at the Big Dome. Blackwater will go first at 4:30 PM versus the Meralco Bolts, and NLEX will play at the 7:00 PM main-eventer versus the Gin Kings.
The Scores
NLEX 124 – Fonacier 24, Fuller 24, Ighalo 18, Miranda 9, Paniamogan 9, Galanza 8, Quinahan 8, Tiongson 6, Baguio 6, Rios 4, Soyud 4, Monfort 3, Taulava 1, Tallo 0.
Blackwater 106 – Sumang 24, Zamar 16, Walker 16, Pinto 15, Al-Hussaini 7, Jose 6, Sena 6, Maliksi 5, Digregorio 5, Belo 4, Palma 2, Javier 0.
Quarterscores: 24-19, 55-45, 90-75, 124-106.
