NLEX finally gave Frankie Lim his breakthrough at the expense of TNT, 110-101, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena.
Earl Clark led the way with 45 points and 16 rebounds, presiding over the Road Warriors’ fourth-quarter rally en route to collecting their first victory under the new head coach after failed attempts against Phoenix and Magnolia.
“Sabi ko nga, ‘Kailan kaya? Kailan kaya ko makukuha yung first win?’ And it happened tonight. Just very happy,” said Lim, who got the win coincidentally against the same ball club he was once a team manager of.
Kevin Alas played a big role as well with 24 points on a 7-of-12 clip from the field. Don Trollano supplied 16 points and five rebounds, while Matt Nieto provided 12 markers, four boards, and three dimes.
The team made sure to give the veteran mentor the win despite personnel woes as they missed the services of four key cogs, namely Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Philip Paniamogan, Kenneth Ighalo, and Anthony Semerad.
“We just try to find ways how to maximize our players. And as you all well know, we’re undermanned because of injuries,” Lim said.
NLEX will look to build another winning streak when it battles San Miguel on Sunday, October 23, 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Cam Oliver, meanwhile, led TNT with 26 points and 22 rebounds in the loss that spoiled their bid of registering a third straight win.
Roger Pogoy had 19 points, while Mikey Williams made 16 markers for the Tropang Giga, who went just 37-of-100 from the field.
TNT (2-2) will try to get back on track against Blackwater on Saturday, October 22, 4:30 p.m. still at the Philsports Arena.
The Scores:
NLEX 110 – Clark 45, Alas 24, Trollano 16, Nieto 12, Miranda 9, Rosales 3, Chua 1, Varilla 0, Fonacier 0, Celda 0, Magat 0.
TNT 101 – Oliver 26, Pogoy 19, M.Williams 16, Oftana 11, Erram 10, Castro 8, Montalbo 6, K.Williams 5, Tungcab 0, Alejandro 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
Quarterscores: 26-15, 49-45, 74-77, 110-101.
