NLEX wrapped up its campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup bubble with a runaway win over Terrafirma, 127-101, on Wednesday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center.
The Road Warriors finished the bubble campaign with a 5-6 win-loss record, but their quarterfinal bid fell short as they entered the match already eliminated following Rain or Shine’s victory over TNT on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, the Road Warriors ended the conference strong, winning four of the last five games inside the Smart Clark Giga City bubble.
NLEX stretched its lead in the second period before outscoring Terrafirma, 42-27, in a third-quarter shootout.
Kiefer Ravena had his usual numbers, but NLEX coach Yeng Guiao also gave opportunities to his other players including Asi Taulava, who played extended minutes in what could be his final game of his PBA career.
The loss capped a disappointing campaign for the Dyip, who ended their season with a 1-10 win-loss record and a three-game losing streak.
Ravena finished with 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while shooting 5-of-8 from threes, three of which coming from that third quarter pullaway.
Taulava scored 11 points, four rebounds, and three blocks in 14 minutes of play in his possible final game in the PBA after 21 years in the league.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said it was unfortunate the Road Warriors started slow this conference.
“The first half of our elimination round was disappointing. We’ve done well in the second half, that’s when we started winning. I felt that if we started maybe two weeks ahead, maybe this would be the right time we would have been playing with still a few games left. Parang nabitin lang,” said Guiao.
Raul Soyud tallied 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists, as Jericho Cruz added 12 points and six assists for NLEX, which rested Kevin Alas in its final game of the conference.
Perez contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds in his final game of the season for the Terrafirma team that once again missed Roosevelt Adams and Rashawn McCarthy due to injuries.
The scores:
NLEX 127 – Ravena 23, Soyud 16, Cruz 12, Semerad 11, Taulava 11, Paniamogan 9, Ayonayon 9, McAloney 9, Miranda 8, Ighalo 7, Galanza 7, Quinahan 5, Varilla 0.
Terrafirma 101 – Perez 27, Khobuntin 18, Ramos 15, Camson 10, Cahilig 8, Celda 7, Tiongson 6, Batiller 4, Faundo 3, Balagasay 2, Gabayni 1, Agovida 0.
Quarters: 23-26; 55-44; 97-71; 127-101.___
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