THE FOUR-TIME defending champions have never been more vulnerable as they suffered their second straight loss after being beaten by the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, 64-71, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Without their main big men Greg Slaughter and Ian Sangalang, the Road Warriors were helpless to stop the forwards of the Gems, especially Gab Banal, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Raymund Aguilar and June Dizon were also vital pieces in the win with 12 points each as the Gems bounced back from their heartbreaking loss in their last game, wherein they blew a 22-point lead in the fourth.
For the Warriors, it’s the first time that they have lost back-to-back games.
The Gems ensured themselves of the win with a basket by Paul Zamar whose two free-throws and lay-up pushed their lead to 67-59, late in the final stanza.
Eric Camson was the lone bright spot for NLEX with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
BOX SCORES
Cebuana Lhuillier (71) – Banal 16, Aguilar 12, Dizon 12, Martinez 10, Zamar 8, Bautista 3, Buensuceso 3, Chiu 2, Padilla 2, Custodio 2, Lopez 1, Elinon 0, Bustos 0.
NLEX (64) – Camson 14, J. Pascual 8, Lanete 8, Ganuelas 7, Long 6, Garcia 5, R. Pascual 4, Alas 4, Villarias 3, Salva 3, Hermida 2, Amer 0. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio