MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors finally entered the win column of the 2023 PBA on Tour following a 112-95 domination of Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters last night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Benedict Adamos led the way with double-double 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Sean Anthony had triple-double of 22 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists as the Road Warriors improved to 1-3.
Dominick Fajardo contributed 17 markers, Celedonio Trollano converted four outside baskets to finish with 14 points, while Hesed Gabo ended with 11 points for the Road Warriors.
From a slim 28-24 lead after the first quarter, the Road Warriors broke away from the Fuel Masters in the second quarter behind conversions from Trollano, Anthony and Elvin Jake Pascual for a 63-40 halftime advantage.
The Road Warriors continued its onslaught in the second half with Adamos, Fajardo and Pascual waxing hot as the lead reached its largest at 99-64 on a basket by Adamos midway in the fourth canto.
Larry Muyang tallied double-double 21 points and 12 rebounds, Rodolfo Alejandro had 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Sean Manganti and Raul Soyud had 16 and 13, respectively, as the Fuel Masters dropped to 2-2
Meanwhile, Arvin Tolentino made a triumphant return as NorthPort Batang Pier scored a lopsided 112-95 victory over Blackwater Bossing. Both teams now have 2-2 win-loss record.
Playing for the first time since winning a gold medal with Gilas Pilipinas in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Tolentino heated up late in the third quarter as he hoisted three straight outside shots for an 85-69 Batang Pier lead.
Tolentino continued to wax hot in the fourth quarter with inside hits and another three-pointer as the Batang Pier established a 25-point advantage behind baskets by Jebb Bulawan and Johnnel Bauzon.
Tolentino finished the game with 22 points, including three outside baskets, Joshua Munzon added 19 markers, while Ilonggos Paul Zamar and Juan Paolo Taha had 17 and 11 points, respectively.
BOX SCORE:
NLEX 112 – Adamos 27, Anthony 22, Fajardo 17, Trollano 14, Gabo 11, Galanza 8, Pascual 7, Doliguez 3, Alas 3.
PHOENIX 95 – Muyang 21, Alejandro 17, Manganti 16, Soyud 13, Celda 9, Lalata 7, Jazul 5, Atienza 5, Rangel 2, Tio 0.
Quarterscores: 28-24, 63-40, 97-62, 112-95./PN
