ROOKIE Enoch Valdez's PBA debut will have to wait as NLEX isn't expected to utilize the former Lyceum star in its PBA Commissioner's Cup game against Meralco at the Philsports Arena on Sunday.
The 6-foot-2 NCAA star just signed a two-year deal with the Road Warriors on Saturday after playing his final game with the Pirates in the NCAA Final Four the previous day.
READ Enoch Valdez signs two-year NLEX contract
The addition of Valdez will certainly be a boost to the Road Warriors, who recently lost team captain Kevin Alas to an ACL injury.
But as Alas exited, sophomore big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser came in and finally suited up for NLEX after recovering from a foot injury.
His return though, and the debut of new import Stokley Chaffee were ruined by unbeaten league leader Magnolia in the form a 99-72 beating, in which the Road Warriors were held to their conference-low output, including just 26 points in the second half.
Now NLEX (2-3) needs to do more if it is to get past Meralco in their 3 p.m. encounter.
After suffering their first loss against San Miguel, the Bolts scored a 109-95 bounce back win over TNT Tropang Giga as they overcame the conference-high of 47 points registered by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
The improved Meralco's record to 3-1 for a three-way logjam with San Miguel and reigning champion Barangay Ginebra at third to fifth place.
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