PBA D-League: Road Warriors run over Freego Jeans in Finals opener

The NLEX Road Warriors outclassed the Freego Jeans Makers, 75-51, to capture Game One of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Southpaw center Ian Sangalang led NLEX's scoring barrage with 20 points to go along with his eight rebounds, one steal and two blocks, to move one win away from the team's second straight title.

Game Two is on Tuesday at FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan CIty.

Freego was no match for NLEX"s firepower and a miserable 17-of-61 field goal shooting, including a 3-of-18 clip from beyond the arc, didn't help its cause.  

"We are trying to really dictate our defense because we gave so many points against Big Chill in the semifinals. The long break of Freego may also be the reason why they are off," said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

Freego stayed to within five points at the end of the first period, 21-16, but the Jeans Makers could only produce five more markers in the half, as they were held scoreless in the final seven minutes of the second quarter. In fact, a 14-0 NLEX run gave way to a 40-21 lead at the turn.  

RR Garcia had 13 points, five rebounds and five assists, Garvo Lanete and Cliff Hodge had eight points each and Calvin Abueva collected seven points and 15 rebounds for NLEX.

 

Lester Alvarez led Freego with 13 points but hit only one of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. Eric Camson had eight points and Alex Nuyles was limited to only seven markers.

 

Freego only hit two field goals in the first three minutes of the third period as NLEX opened with a 14-4 run for a 54-25 advantage. — AMD/JVP, GMA News

 

Scores:

 

NLEX 75—Sangalang 20, Garcia 13, Lanete 8, Hodge 8, Abueva 7, Monfort 5, Marcelo 5, Co 3, Hermida 2, Suguitan 2, Belencion 2, Arao 0, Ellis 0, Dehesa 0.

 

Freego Jeans 51—Alvarez 13, Camson 8, Nuyles 7, Cabrera 6, Manyara 5, Apinan 4, Austria 2, Brondial 2, Lopez 2, Lozada 1, Elinon 1, Monteclaro 0.

 

Quarter scores: 21-16; 40-21; 57-32; 75-51.