JB Bahio stars as NLEX spoils TNT's PBA Philippine Cup debut

JB Bahio starred as NLEX spoiled TNT's conference debut, 91-74, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bahio had 13 points as he went six out of nine from the field, on top of 12 rebounds and four assists, to lead the Road Warriors alongside Robert Bolick and Xyrus Torres who also had 13 points each.

NLEX pulled away in the second quarter as it outscored TNT, 26-16, to claim a 47-35 lead by the end of first half.

The Road Warriors continued to cruise en route to its biggest lead 91-69, thanks to a Bahio split, just before the two minute mark of the final frame.

NLEX head coach Jong Uichico said the young players are important as the Road Warriors try to be more energetic in their games.

"Aside from the veterans, we also need young players to give the energy, even when the veterans are out. They give another dimension to our game. It also challenges the veterans to play as hard as the young ones too and vice versa," Uichico said.

Bahio, meanwhile, said he is maximizing every opportunity to show his talent.

"Binibigay ko lang 'yung best ko, hindi ko lang sinasayang yung opportunity na binibigay ni Coach Jong," the San Beda product said as NLEX improved to 2-1.

RR Pogoy led the newly-named Tropang 5G with 12 points, while Kelly Williams had 11 points.

Scores:

NLEX 91 – Bahio 13, Torres 13, Bolick 13, Mocon 11, Ramirez 10, Valdez 10, Semerad 6, Nieto 5, Alas 3, Fajardo 2.

TNT 74 – Pogoy 12, Williams 11, Enciso 9, Erram 9, Nambatac 9, Oftana 8, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 4, Payawal 3, Ebona 2, Heruala 0, Varilla 0.

Quarters: 21-19, 47-35, 68-51, 91-74.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News