NLEX rides to first win, keeps NorthPort winless inside bubble

NLEX finally claimed a victory inside the PBA bubble after cruising past NorthPort, 102-88, in the elimination round of the Philippine Cup on Wednesday.

The Road Warriors were in the driver's seat from start to finish and led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter.

Batang Pier came within striking distance at 80-77 with over eight minutes left in the final period, but NLEX responded calmly and re-established their lead.

Kiefer Ravena led NLEX with 25 points off a 7-of-10 shooting clip from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line.

JR Quinahan and Kevin Alas also had steady contributions for the Road Warriors, scoring 17 and 16 points respectively. Alas also had 10 rebounds and six assists.

NorthPort's top big man Christian Standhardinger was limited to seven points, but he grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out five assists.

Kevin Ferrer took charge for Batang Pier with 18 points, while rookie Sean Manganti added 16 markers. Garvo Lanete chipped in 13 points.

NLEX now holds a 1-3 card and will face Meralco on Friday. NorthPort, which slipped down to 0-4, will play Terrafirma on Saturday.

Box score:

NLEX 102 — Ravena 25, Quinahan 17, Alas 16, Cruz 10, Miranda 9, Porter 8, Soyud 7, Ayonayon 6, 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.

—MGP, GMA News