PBA-DL: NLEX sweeps Foundation Cup elms with win over Big Chill

NLEX completed a sweep of the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup elimination round with a 70-58 victory over Big Chill on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Jake Pascual had 16 points and nine rebounds, while Ola Adeogun logged 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks for the Road Warriors, who scored nine wins in as many games.

“Our goal was to make it to the top two so that we can go to the playoffs fresh,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “We have to prepare for the semifinals, whoever we are going to face. It is going to be a tough tournament for us.”

NLEX, which duplicated its feat of winning all its elimination round games in the 2012 Foundation Cup, led the rest of the way, building a 16-point lead at one point in the game.

Kevin Alas had 15 points and seven rebounds for the Road Warriors, who are aiming for their sixth championship before moving to the PBA.

Big Chill finished the elimination round with a 4-5 win-loss slate. Its playoff chances will still depend on the results of the other games with the midtable still a tight contest. - Reuben Terrado, SPIN


The scores:

NLEX 70 – J. Pascual 16, Alas 15, Adeogun 10, Ganuelas 8, Dela Cruz 6, Amer 5, Lanete 3, R. Pascual 3, Raymundo 2, Long 2, K. Pascual 0, Koga 0, Dela Rosa 0

Big Chill 58 – Apinan 11, Lozada 11, Miranda 10, Villahermosa 7, Maiquez 6, Bonifacio 4, Brondial 4, Canlas 2, Heruela 2, Santos 1, Belorio 0

Quarter scoring: 21-14, 38-29, 53-42, 70-58