Rookie Xyrus Torres delivered a breakthrough performance as NLEX spoiled the debut of Rain or Shine, 109-95, to chalk up its first win of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday night.
The former FEU guard went near-perfect from the floor as he shot 11-of-12 for a season-high 28 points, helping the Road Warriors seize control early then played a key role to ward off a fightback bid by their foes to get going in the tilt.
After Robert Bolick’s split from the line, Torres went on to spark their strong windup, nailing a tough perimeter jumper before completing a three-point play opportunity to give themselves a 105-90 lead with 2:32 remaining in the match.
Javee Mocon and JB Bahio then came in and helped apply the finishing touches as the crew went on to find redemption after their fightback fell just short against San Miguel Beer exactly a week ago — and in the very same venue.
(C) PBA Images
“‘Di ko expect na ganito ‘yung lalaruin ko sa team,” offered Torres, who went 5-of-6 from three. “Feeling ko talaga, na-o-overwhelm ako always kasi rookie, marami nagsasabi na ‘yung chance na makapaglaro agad sobrang liit.
“Pero ‘yung trust na ibinigay ng coaches yun lang din ‘yung lagi kong dinadala every game, na makapag-give back sa kanila,” he added.
Main man Bolick was as solid once again, as the star guard flirted with a triple-double by tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists.
Tony Semerad provided a huge spark off the bench with 18 points on 7-of-8 field-goal shooting — including 4-of-5 from three — and seven rebounds.
Mocon registered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds in the victory that saw all 12 players contribute at least one point.
“Every time we shoot well, our offense seems to be working perfectly,” said Coach Jong Uichico as NLEX shot 55.3-percent as a whole.
“We shot well tonight. It’s good that we played Rain or Shine in their first game so medyo rusty sila, finding still their rhythm,” he added. “Kami, we already played our first game and we’re able to make some adjustments.”
(C) PBA Images
Wasted by the defeat, meanwhile, was the season-high effort of Caelan Tiongson with 24 points and seven rebounds to lead the Elasto Painters.
Santi Santillan had 13 points as the two tried to lead the rally late by knocking down a triple each in back-to-back fashion to slice the gap to 99-90 with 4:22 remaining, but the Road Warriors had more gas in the end.
Jhonard Clarito had 13 points while Gian Mamuyac added 10 as the others tried to step up on a night Adrian Nocum got held to only 11 markers.
Rain or Shine will look for its first win when it battles NorthPort (1-0) on Holy Wednesday, April 16, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
NLEX 109 – Torres 28, Bolick 23, Semerad 18, Mocon 12, Bahio 8, Nieto 5, Fajardo 5, Ramirez 3, Policarpio 2, Alas 2, Miranda 2, Valdez 1.
Rain or Shine 95 – Tiongson 24, Santillan 13, Clarito 12, Nocum 11, Mamuyac 10, Caracut 9, Norwood 6, Malonzo 5, Asistio 2, Lemetti 3, Datu 0.
Quarterscores: 32-25, 60-50, 86-73, 109-95.
