Warriors wrest solo lead, rout R’backs

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX dominated Hog’s Breath Cafe early and went on to post a runaway 91-58 romp and gain the solo lead while Boracay Rum stole an 80-79 win over Café France in the PBA D-League Foundational Cup at the Meralco gym yesterday. 

Ola Adeogun scored all but two of his 13 points in the opening quarter as the Road Warriors took a 28-14 lead and never looked back. They led by more than 20 points in the third before posting a lopsided victory over the Razorbacks.

Adeogun also hauled down 12 rebounds as NLEX broke away from a four-way tie to take the solo lead with three straight wins.

“I’m pleased with the way the guys responded. I’ve challenged them to play defense. I’m not happy with our first two games. On the average we allowed our opponents to score 89 points in our first two games. Coming into the game, our goal is to limit Hog’s to 60 points. I thought the guys we’re focused all game,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandnez.

Jake Pascual finished with 12 points while Mathew Ganuelas and Rome dela Rosa added 10 markers apiece for the Road Warriors, who led by as many as 37 points.

NLEX played without new recruit Bobby Ray Parks, who however is expected to suit up on Tuesday when the Road Warriors take on the Café France Bakers.

Earlier, Mark Belo hits a baseline jumper with 8.4 seconds remaining to lift Boracay Rum past Café France for its third win in four games. The Bakers dropped to 2-1.

After a timeout by Café France, Mac Montilla drove the lane but missed. Maclean Sabelina snared the rebound and Chris Banchero quickly pushed the ball downcourt. Sabelina got the ball back at the high post and hit the open Belo at the left baseline for the winner.

 Banchero finished with 19 points and his layup with 35 second remaining made it a one-point game. Prince Caperal contributed 11 while Paolo Taha and Belo had 10 apiece for the Waves, who bounced back from a 94-103 loss to NLEX last week and improved to 2-1.