MANILA – Asi Taulava came up with solid numbers in his potential farewell game as NLEX Road Warriors walloped TerraFirma Dyip, 127-101, in their 2020 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Pampanga on Wednesday.
The Filipino-Tongan big man logged in 14:38 minutes and finished with 11 points, including two triples, to go along with four rebounds, three blocks and two assists for the Road Warriors.
The 47-year-old Taulava, whose contract with the Road Warriors is set to expire by December, have already hinted that this year will be his final playing year.
“Everything depends on management. I’m happy just being on the team with whatever is asked me to do. Other than that, just got to wait, talk to my management first before I make any final decisions,” Taulava said in his interview with ONE Sports.
Meanwhile, Road Warriors head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao said if his last conversation with Taulava is the basis, he believes that the veteran center played his final game in the PBA.
“As of our last conversation, it was still retirement for Asi,” said Guiao. “Before this game, my understanding was he was set for retirement. Problema, gumanda ng konti laro niya kanina, baka manghingi na naman ng two years ito na kontrata.”
Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena led the way with 23 points while Negrense Raul Soyud, Ilonggo Jericho Cruz and Anthony Semerad added 16, 12 and 11 respectively as NLEX closed its campaign with a 5-6 W-L record.
Down 23-26 after the opening quarter, the Road Warriors went to work in the second frame with Taulava, Soyud and Semerad anchoring the offense to build a 55-44 halftime lead.
NLEX widened the lead further in the second half with Ravena connecting five triples in the third quarter alone as the lead reached its largest at 111-80 on a triple by Mike Ayonayon.
Jaymar Perez finished with double-double 27 points and 10 rebounds while Glenn Khobuntin and Aldrech Ramos added 18 and 15 markers respectively as the Dyip ended the season with a 1-10 win-loss record.
BOX SCORE:
NLEX 127 – Ravena 23, Soyud 16, Cruz 12, Taulava 11, Semerad 11, Paniamogan 9, McAloney 9, Ayonayon 9, Miranda 8, Ighalo 7, Galanza 7, Quiñahan 5, Varilla 0.
TERRAFIRMA 101 – Perez 27, Khobuntin 18, Ramos 15, Camson 10, Cahilig 8, Celda 7, Tiongson 6, Batiller 4, Faundo 3, Balagasay 2, Gabayni 1, Agovida 0.
QUARTERSCORES:
Q1, 23-26; Q2, 55-44; Q3, 97-71; Q4, 127-101./PN
