Raul Soyud returned to the fold Saturday when NLEX fought Phoenix Super LPG in 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup action at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor.
The 6-foot-5 bruiser did not see action in the Road Warriors’ 84-74 conquest of Alaska a couple of days ago due to an injured ankle, the first time he missed a game this conference after suiting up in their first four outings.
Head coach Yeng Guiao bared that the seven-year pro isn’t totally free from pain yet, although it hardly showed with the way he performed.
Soyud produced 17 points in 18 minutes, missing just once in the nine shots he took from the floor to help power NLEX to a 94-76 victory.
Thirteen of his points came in the second half, where the Road Warriors turned the tides around after a tight affair en route to their third straight win.
“Laking bagay si Raul galing sa sprained ankle,” said Guiao moments after the match.
“May pain pa nga, pero he played through the pain.”
Aside from his scoring output, Soyud also hauled down seven rebounds, helping the Road Warriors rule the boards, 54-45.
Photo by PBA Images
Guiao said that rebounding has been an integral part of their system, thus his elation to see Soyud and Co. win such versus the Fuel Masters.
“We always emphasize rebounding sa practice. It’s one of our pillars in this system primarily because maliit kami sa four and five positions. We do not have the size of most teams, so we really need to work hard,” he said.
“Hustle lang, trabaho lang sa tinatawag nating 50-50 balls. Gusto nating makita yung mga player na involved sila dun. We’re trying to build that habit, especially to make up for our lack of size,” Guiao added.
“I think maganda rebounding namin today. It’s also one of the reasons kaya lumayo kami nung endgame, fourth quarter.”
