NLEX snaps long skid, stuns TNT

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

PUERTO PRINCESA—It seems like NLEX indeed loosened up as how Coach Yeng Guiao wanted to utilize its Christmas break.

The Road Warriors pulled a huge 110-98 stunner over the TNT KaTropa in their PBA Philippine Cup meeting at the AUF Gym in Angeles on Saturday night.

After a close first half, NLEX looked to pull away in the third quarter, using a 14-2 run to open a 74-62 lead with 5:32 left in the period.

TNT would slowly crawl back and took a 94-93 lead with 6:13 to go in the fourth quarter, but NLEX finished the game on a 17-4 run to end its five-game losing streak.

Carlo Lastimosa tallied 23 points, three rebounds, and three assists for the Road Warriors, who jumped out of a tie with the Mahindra Floodbusters at the bottom of the standings and moved up to 2-5.

Sean Anthony added a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds with three assists as well.

Jayson Castro led the KaTropa with 17 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, but he was accounted for seven of their 23 total turnovers.

Box Scores:

NLEX 110-Lastimosa 22, Anthony 13, Alas 12, Camson 12, Guinto 11, J. Villanueva 7, E. Villanueva 7, Rios 6, Baracael 5, Lanete 4, Taulava 3, Monfort 3, Khobuntin 3, Gotladera 2

TNT 98-Castro 17, Tautuaa 15, Rosales 15, Fonacier 9, Reyes 7, Rosario 7, De Ocampo 7, Williams 6, Rosser 6, Carey 5, Seigle 4, Golla 0, Pogoy 0, Tamsi 0

Quarterscores: 24-26, 52-52, 85-81, 110-98

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