NLEX spoils Yeng Guiao's Rain or Shine homecoming as Road Warriors turn back Elasto Painters

NLEX played the spoiler's role to its former head coach Yeng Guiao as the Road Warriors used a huge fourth quarter to dispose of Rain or Shine, 96-90, in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

NLEX erased what was once a 12-point deficit early in the second quarter and turned it into a 12-point lead of its own in the fourth, 87-75, after the Road Warriors opened the final canto with a 20-9 run led by import Earl Clark.

With 2:11 left to play, Justin Chua went for a layup to make it a 93-79 affair still in favor of NLEX before Rain or Shine pulled to within six, 96-90, with reinforcement Steve Taylor Jr. fueling an 11-3 surge.

But time ran out on the side of the Elasto Painters, surrendering to NLEX in their first game under a familiar face in Guiao, who made a surprise return to Rain or Shine after bidding goodbye to NLEX.

Clark churned out a double-double outing of 26 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks, four steals, and four assists while Chua chipped in 18 markers, eight boards, and two dimes as NLEX went 1-0 early in the tournament.

Kevin Alas also had a big game as he poured in 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while Don Trollano and Matt Nieto each chimed in with 12 markers.

Taylor Jr. carried Rain or Shine with 21 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and one steal in the losing cause as locals Rey Nambatac and Mike Nieto helped with 11 and 10 markers apiece.

The Scores:

NLEX 96 - Clark 26, Chua 18, Abas 15, Trollano 12, Nieto 12, Varilla 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Miranda 3, Rosales 0, Magat 2, Fonacier 0, Ighalo 0.

Rain or Shine 90 - Taylor Jr. 21, Nambatac 11, Nieto 10, Caracut 9, Ponferada 8, Asistio 7, Demusis 6, Belga 5, Ildefonso 4, Santillan 4, Borboran 3, Norwood 2, Mamuyac 0, Torres 0.

Quarter scores: 15-24, 36-42, 67-66, 96-90.

—MGP, GMA News