NLEX clamps NorthPort in Q4 for blowout win

Kiefer Ravena only missed three field goals all game long. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--NLEX fortified its defense in the fourth quarter to clip NorthPort, 102-88, in their PBA meeting at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Wednesday night.

In a battle between winless teams, the Road Warriors sealed their first win in style, holding the Batang Pier to just 12 points in the first nine minutes of the final frame en route to the rout.

Kiefer Ravena led NLEX with 25 points on 7-of-10 field goals and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

JR Quinahan added 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Kevin Alas posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds with six assists as their team got its payback after losing in their last meeting, a triple overtime thriller in the quarterfinals of last year's Governors' Cup.

Kevin Ferrer dropped 18 points, three rebounds, and one steal for NorthPort, which fell to 0-4.

Box Scores:

NLEX 102-Ravena 25, Quinahan 17, Alas 16, Cruz 10, Miranda 9, Porter 8, Soyud 7, Ayonayon 6, Ighalo 2, McAloney 2, Semerad 0, Galanza 0, Paniamogan 0

NorthPort 88-Ferrer 18, Manganti 16, Lanete 13, Taha 10, Revilla 8, Elorde 8, Standhardinger 7, Subido 6, Nabong 2, Cruz 0, Anthony 0, Guinto 0

Quarterscores: 20-15, 49-39, 75-68, 102-88

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