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MANILA, Philippines – The NLEX Road Warriors are growing up.
Sean Anthony countered Gary David’s big 3-point shot from the corner with a pair of calm free throws, and NLEX stunned another sister team, Meralco Bolts, 93-91, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday, November 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It is the first time the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned NLEX won against both its sister teams, Talk ‘N Text and Meralco, in a conference. The Road Warriors 107-101 victory over the Texters on Friday, November 20 also marked the first time they defeated the multi-titled franchise.
“We’re happy we got this two straight against our sister teams,” head coach Boyet Fernandez said as he relished the win because the second year team NLEX is finally gaining some steam and identity in the all-Filipino conference.
“I think hopefully we can erase that little brother name for us,” he added.
Anthony buried the go-ahead freebies for a 92-91 spread with 8.8 seconds left before David committed a costly error by stepping on the baseline as he drove for the basket with 3.6 ticks remaining.
Kevin Alas split his free throws in the ensuing possession as Meralco ran out of timeouts to advance the ball and time expired.
Anthony, who received this week’s PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation, continues his impressive performance this conference with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. He fished 11 of his points from the free throw line.
Asi Taulava had a game-high 22 points and 21 rebounds in over 34 minutes of play, while Jonas Villanueva and Alas added 17 and 16 points, respectively as the Road Warriors improved to 4-2.
Rookie Chris Newsome hit a career-high 21 points for Meralco on top of 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
David tallied 19 points and two assists in the loss. The veteran buried the corner triple following a mad scramble for the loose ball with 9.8 seconds left to briefly shove the Bolts ahead, 91-90, before Anthony converted his charities.
“Meralco really played well. Credit to coach Norman (Black) and to Gary David. It was our game plan to limit Gary,” Fernandez said. “It was our defense that won us this game.”
Cliff Hodge added 14 points and 5 boards for the Bolts, while Bryan Faundo and Rabeh Al-Hussaini had 10 points apiece.
The Bolts, which started the Philippine Cup at 0-5, failed to follow-up their first win over the Star Hotshots, 87-83, and fell to 1-6. – Rappler.com
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