Continuing its hot start, NLEX stayed steady and disciplined as it systematically broke down Blackwater, 115-109, for its third straight win to gain solo leadership in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna last night.
Olu Ashaolu hulked his way inside with a game-high 31 points and 10 rebounds to lead the way for NLEZ.
Kiefer Ravena continue his comeback tour with a bang, flirting with a triple-double with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for more firepower.
“It’s easier to play when everyone is touching the ball and everyone is a threat,” said Ravena.
The now 3-0 Road Warriors rose to solo first place.
On the other hand, the struggle continued for the Elite, dropping to 0-2.
After a shaky opening quarter, NLEX picked it up in the second to seize advantage but it was its solid run midway in the fourth closed the game out.
Leading for most part of the game but with the Elite staying in striking distance, the Road Warriors brought the hammer down in the payoff period to solidify their grip.
A key 9-1 spurt pushed NLEX’S lead to a vital 106-95 cushion after a Ravena step-back triple with 5:45 left.
While Blackwater tried its best with mini runs, the Road Warriors had answers until they finally iced another win in the bag.
Philip Paniamogan and Kenneth Ighalo each added 10 more points for NLEX.
The two teams set a new all-time PBA record of most triples made in the game as they combined for a total of 37 hits from beyond the arc as they were shooting the lights out from deep the entire game.
On a positive note, rookie Paul Desiderio broke through for the Elite, scoring a career-high 24 points to lead the way for his squad while Bobby Ray Parks continued to roll with a team-high 28 markers.
NLEX trailed 19-26 at the end of one but picked it up in the second canto to overtake Blackwater and carry a 52-46 lead at intermission.
