Manny Harris dropped 45 on the Dyip in his debut with the Road Warriors. PBA Media Group |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANDALUYONG—Many NLEX fans raised their eyebrows after Coach Yeng made a shocking import switch in the PBA Governors' Cup, replacing resident import Olu Ashaolu with someone named Manny Harris despite a 4-1 start to the team's campaign.
On Wednesday night, Harris introduced himself in style.
Harris came out smoking in his PBA debut, quickly going for a 40-point game in the Road Warriors' 117-111 win against the Columbian Dyip at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
In particular, Harris scored 45 points for NLEX, which took control of most of the first half but still had to pull away late from Columbian after the latter forced a 106-all tie with 1:40 to play by scoring six straight points for the 112-106 cushion with 37 seconds left.
Harris went 15-of-28 from the field and 12-of-13 from the free throw line for his 45 points while also collecting five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks.
JR Quiñahan added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one block off the bench as the Road Warriors moved up to 5-1.
CJ Perez made 21 markers, five rebounds, three dimes, and two steals for the Dyip, who fell to 3-3.
Jack Corpuz added 20 markers and eight boards, while Khapri Alston came up with 19 points, 17 rebounds, seven dimes, two steals, and four blocks.
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