NLEX collected its third consecutive win in the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine by way of a 94-78 decision over Phoenix Super LPG, Saturday evening at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Jericho Cruz and returning big man Raul Soyud were at the forefront of the Road Warriors’ big second half on their way to their fourth victory in six outings, which propelled them to fourth place in the team standings.
“It’s our desire to win, it’s the challenge posed to us playing without Kiefer [Ravena],” said head coach Yeng Guiao. “We have to start defining ourselves without Kiefer from here on. Siguro nakaka-motivate din sa amin ‘yun.”
Cruz finished with a game-best 19 points, but he also took on playmaking chores for NLEX as he collected eight assists. The shifty guard also had four steals and three rebounds in the 35 minutes he played.
Soyud. meanwhile, produced 17 points in 18 minutes in his return after missing Thursday’s match versus Alaska due to an ankle injury. The 6-foot-5 bruiser shot 8-of-9 from the field and also hauled down seven boards.
“Laking bagay si Raul galing sa sprained ankle. May pain pa nga, pero he played through the pain,” said Guiao.
The two were vital in helping the Road Warriors seize control of the match. A Cruz three-pointer to open the fourth quarter capped off an 11-0 run that began in the previous period to put his side up, 75-62.
And when the Fuel Masters cut the deficit to six, Soyud followed up Kevin Alas’ bucket to re-establish a 10-point lead, 82-72, with 4:10 left.
It was also the wide-bodied center who made NLEX’s last four points in the final seconds to settle the final score. Both of those lay-ups came from Cruz.
Cruz and Soyud combined for 14 of the Road Warriors’ 22 points in the final period, equaling the total production of Phoenix in the said frame.
“Second half, I think that’s the reason we put some distance. We played better defense in the second half,” offered Guiao.
JR Quinahan also made his presence felt in the win as he supplied 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. It is now the fourth time in the conference that the veteran big finished in double digits.
“Si JR is our steady influence sa team. Pag nagkakagulo na kami, JR is there, just stabilizing the team. Pag yung bola na kay JR, nagkakakumpiyansa kami that he’s going to make the right decisions,” said Guiao.
Meanwhile, Jason Perkins and Chris Banchero finished with 12 points apiece to lead Phoenix, who failed to replicate their 78-77 come-from-behind win versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Thursday.
Last game’s hero Matthew Wright had 10 points, missing all his 14 shots after going 4-for-4 to start the match. But he collected seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in over 37 minutes of play.
Vic Manuel, who only played for three minutes last game, logged in 20 minutes this time and made 13 points in the loss that dropped their card to 2-5.
The Scores
NLEX 94 – Cruz 19, Soyud 17, Quinahan 14, Alas 11, Trollano 9, Oftana 8, Miranda 5, Paniamogan 5, Porter 4, Ighalo 2, McAloney 0.
Phoenix 76 – Manuel 13, Perkins 12, Banchero 12, Wright 10, Jazul 8, Demusis 5, Melecio 5, Chua 4, Garcia 3, Pascual 2, Calisaan 2, Muyang 0, Rios 0.
Quarterscores: 22-25, 45-45, 72-62, 94-76.
