NLEX, Blackwater inch closer to duel

Games on Tuesday (Ynares Arena)

12 p.m. – Blackwater Sports vs Jumbo Plastic

2 p.m. – NLEX vs Cebuana Lhuillier

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX hung tough in the stretch and carved out a 70-60 victory over Cebuana Lhuillier while Blackwater Sports routed Jumbo Plastic, 84-70, to move closer to a title rematch in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena.

Ola Adeogun, Jake Pascual and Garvo Lanete scored 11 points apiece while Kevin Alas added 10 markers for the five-time champions, who led by as many as 14 points but wavered in the third period before thwarting the Gems’ repeated rallies in the closing minutes.

Adeogun also dominated the boards with 13 rebounds. 

“This is a highly physical game. I thought my players deserved all the credit. They never lost their focus even when they were being bullied,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “They stepped up offensively and defensively every time Cebuana makes run.”