NLEX caught TNT on an off-day to defeat the Grand Slam-seeking Tropang 5G, 91-74, on Wednesday in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Six players led by Robert Bolick and Xyrus Torres scored in double digits for the Road Warriors with JB Bahio even posting a double-double to pick up their second straight win and improve to 2-1.
READ: The six biggest threats to TNT bid for a PBA grand slam
The Road Warriors spoiled the first game of TNT under a new moniker in its first game since winning the Commissioner’s Cup title against Barangay Ginebra last March.
Bolick had 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Torres added 13 points to also contribute in NLEX’s offense. A big revelation was Bahio as the rookie had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Road Warriors, who led by as many as 22 points.
NLEX coach Jong Uichico felt TNT was still rusty from the layoff following the championship.
“Alam natin na maiksi ‘yung practice time nila. Nandoon ‘yung sistema nila. Pero siyempre, coming off a championship, ilang araw lang nakapag-practice, may kasabihan na may hangover sa championship. May ganun talaga eh but in due time, makaka-recover sila,” said Uichico.
“Suwerte rin kami na sila ang first game namin, nangagapa pa sila. Na-timing din,” he added.
RR Pogoy was the top scorer for TNT with 12 points, while Kelly Williams had 11 points. Simon Enciso had nine points at the start of his second stint with the Tropang 5G.
The scores:
NLEX 91 – Bolick 13, Bahio 13, Torres 13, Mocon 11, Valdez 10, Ramirez 10, Semerad 6, Nieto 5, Rodger 5, Alas 3, Fajardo 2.
TNT 74 – Pogoy 12, Williams 11, Erram 9, Nambatac 9, Enciso 9, Oftana 8, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 4, Payawal 3, Ebona 2, Varilla 0, Heruela 0.
Quarters: 21-19; 47-35; 68-51; 91-74.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
