NLEX gave Barangay Ginebra a harsh welcome, 94-75, for its first win in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Kevin Alas and Kiefer Ravena joined hands to lead the Road Warriors over the defending champs that atoned for the stinging one-point loss they suffered in the hands of Rain or Shine on opening day last Friday.
Alas finished with 20 points, while Ravena made 19 as a total of five players finished in twin digits in the win that hiked their card to 1-1.
“Actually I expected us to play decently, pero ‘di ko inaasahan na ganoon kalaki ang lamang namin,” said head coach Yeng Guiao. “We’re actually very lucky that Ginebra is playing their first game, they’re making adjustments.”
NLEX started out strong with 12 unanswered points, but nearly lost grip when the Gin Kings crawled back and eventually took the driver’s seat, 35-34, following a Japeth Aguilar free throw with 2:52 left in the second period.
Ravena and Jericho Cruz, though, were there to put their side back up six at the half. Their teammates continued what they started, as the Road Warriors made an 11-0 run for a commanding 70-50 lead with two minutes left in the third.
“This is not the full potential of Ginebra, of course. So we’re just very lucky we got them on their first game. I know they’re still making adjustments. Swerte lang kami talaga,” said Guiao.
NLEX indeed caught an off-beat Ginebra, who shot just 34-percent from the field and committed 19 turnovers that led to 17 points on the other end.
“Mabuti medyo malamig pa sila ngayon. But in two or three games, I’m sure ‘yung kanilang championship pedigree, lalabas din ‘yun. This is the luck of the draw. But of course, I also want to give credit to the way we play defense,” said Guiao.
Japeth Aguilar had 15 points to lead the Barangay in the defeat that spoiled the debut of his new frontcourt partner Christian Standhardinger.
The former BPC awardee, whom the Gin Kings acquired from NorthPort by trading Greg Slaughter, only had eight points. But he had 10 rebounds.
NLEX will look to get going versus another powerhouse team San Miguel on Friday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m. Ginebra, meanwhile, will try to get its title retention bid on the right track against Blackwater on the same day at 3:00 p.m.
The Scores:
NLEX (94) — Alas 20, Ravena 19, Trollano 11, Semerad 11, Quinahan 10, Cruz 9, Soyud 7, Miranda 5, Oftana 2, Porter 0, McAloney 0.
Ginebra (75) — Aguilar 15, Thompson 12, Tenorio 11, Standhardinger 9, Pringle 8, Caperal 8, Chan 4, Devance 3, Tolentino 2, Enriquez 2, Ayaay 2, Dillinger 0, Salado 0.
Quarterscores: 26-15, 41-35, 72-55, 94-75.
