ANTIPOLO – NLEX captured its second win to join the early leaders with a hard-earned 121-112 decision over NorthPort on Saturday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center.
NLEX vs NorthPort recap
Jonathon Simmons once again led the Road Warriors to victory after an 8-0 run to break a 104-104 deadlock on their way to a 2-0 win-loss start. NLEX is now with Converge and TNT for a share of the lead in the team standings.
The Road Warriors had to overcome a 12-point deficit after a hot start by the Batang Pier, who have now dropped to 0-3.
Simmons had 33 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in the victory, while also joining forces with Don Trollano in the final stretch of the game, capping that run with a jumper with 3:17 left in the fourth.
Trollano had 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field including three threes in the game.
NLEX bounced back after it trailed 25-13 early in the contest.
“It’s just a matter of talking to them, telling them don’t give me surprises in the game. Just do what we’ve been practicing and execution lang,” said NLEX coach Frankie Lim.
Kevin Alas had 18 points and six assists, and Sean Anthony had 16 points and eight rebounds for NLEX.
Marcus Weathers finished with 30 points, and Arvin Tolentino tallied 23 points in a losing effort for NorthPort.
The scores:
NLEX 121 – Simmons 33, Trollano 23, Alas 18, Anthony 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Semerad 9, Rosales 5, Nieto 3, Miranda 2, Pascual 0.
NorthPort 112 – Weathers 30, Tolentino 23, Zamar 15, Munzon 12, Calma 9, Sumang 9, Taha 7, Chan 3, Dela Cruz 2, Ayaay 2, Caperal 0, Balagasay 0.
Quarters: 26-31; 63-60; 97-91; 121-112.