IAN SANGALANG keyed an inspired showing by the big men of the defending champions NLEX as the Road Warriors won, 88-73, over the Boracay Rum Waves in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup yesterday at the Trinity University Gym.
Sangalang, the NCAA’s MVP, scored 21 points and had 10 rebounds to help push NLEX to a 2-0 (win-loss) record early in this tournament.
The win also kept the Road Warriors’ incredible 19-game winning streak going, dating back to semi-finals of this conference in late January and earned them a first place tie with idle Big Chill.
The 6-6 center was inserted with 5:15 left in the first quarter and he quickly made his presence felt. He knocked a 3-pointer, completed a 3-point play and hit a free throw – all in succession – to spark 15-5 run that gave NLEX an 11-point advantage after one quarter.
Shooting guard Garvo Lanete scored 11 points while starting center Eric Camson and reserve forward Jake Pascual combined for 16 rebounds to help the Road Warriors dominate the boards, 53-47.
Glenn Khobuntin scored 17 points and Kenneth Acibar had 13 for the Waves.
BOX SCORES:
NLEX 88 – Sanggalang 21, Lanete 11, R. Pascual 9, Salva 8, Alas 8, Camson 7, Garcia 7, Hermida 6, Ganuelas 5, J. Pascual 4, Amer 2, Escoto 0, Long 0, Sumalinog 0.
Boracay Rum 73 – Khobuntin 17, Acibar 13, Bandaying11, Santos 9, Taha 7, Viernes 5, Siruma 5, Eguilos 4, Ilagan 2, Tolentino 0, Sabelina 0, Foronda 0. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio