MANILA, Philippines – NLEX Road Warriors rookie Garvo Lanete had the best game of his pro career to date with 21 points and led his team past the Star Hotshots in a close encounter, 106-99, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Saturday, February 20.
The game went down the wire, with a key turnover and missed defensive rebounds by Star essentially sealing its demise. The Hotshots fell to 0-3, while the Road Warriors improved to 2-1.
NLEX import Al Thornton had another impressive game with 35 points and 10 rebounds in his team’s bounce back win following a loss to Phoenix. Asi Taulava and Jonas Villanueva combined for 26 points, while Kevin Alas scored 10 and converted a big layup late.
Only 7 players scored on the other side for Star led by the 30 points and 17 boards of import Denzel Bowles, who committed the crucial turnover down the stretch.
Allein Maliksi and PJ Simon posted 21 points each in the win, while James Yap spotted 10 off the bench.
It was a 100-97 game in NLEX’s favor after a Bowles put back slam awoke the Star crowd with 1:08 left.
After nearly committing a turnover, the Road Warriors found Alas in the right corner, and he was able to attack the rim and convert a tough layup to make it a 5-point game.
After a time-out, Bowles was able to draw a foul and make both charities, 102-99. The Hotshots were then able to get a stop as Thornton missed a jumper, but Bowles’ lead pass to Simon on the fastbreak was too strong and sailed out of bounds.
Villanueva was then fouled and missed both free throws, but Thornton was able to grab the offensive board and make the bucket, plus the foul.
Thornton also missed his free throw, but Alas grabbed another offensive board for his team and made a layup to seal the contest.
Scores:
NLEX (106): Thornton 35, Lanete 21, Taulava 14, J. Villanueva 12, Alas 10, Anthony 9, Enciso 3, Reyes 2,Borboran 0, Khobuntin 0, Wilson 0, E.Villanueva 0
Star (99): Bowles 30, Maliksi 21, Simon 21, Yap 10, Pingris 9, Barroca 6, Melton 2, Torres 0, Sangalang 0, Reavis 0, Pascual 0
Quarter scores: 22-26, 50-55, 77-82, 106-99 – Rappler.com