PBA: Jimmy Alapag wins coaching debut as NLEX routs Macau

NLEX gave new head coach Jimmy Alapag a winning debut after routing Macau, 114-75, in the PBA Governors' Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Road Warriors took a 45-36 lead into halftime before pulling away in the second half. NLEX outscored the Giant Pandas, 36-22, in the third quarter and then limited them to just 17 points in the final period while pouring in 33 to complete the blowout.

Kevin Alas sparked the fourth-quarter surge, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the period to lead the local contingent. Import DeQuan Jones added 23 points and 11 rebounds.

“Really happy with the effort tonight. I think before the game there was a little bit of uncertainty kasi we didn’t know their complete lineup, I think, from their last tuneup game to tonight. That’s always a cause of concern,” Alapag said.

“Really happy with our guys’ efforts and I think one of our strengths moving forward is how deep of a team we are.”

Damian Chongqui led Macau with 35 points, knocking down seven three-pointers, while import De'Vondre Perry added 26 points and 15 rebounds.

Scores:

NLEX 114 – Jones 23, Alas 19, Gonzales 13, Bahio 11, Winston 10, Bolick 9, Ramirez 6, Torres 6, Gamboa 5, Valdez 5, Capulong 4, Nieto 3, Herndon 0, Racal 0, Rodger 0, Semerad 0.

Macau 75 – Chongqui 35, Perry 26, Cao 4, Liu 4, Lam 4, Li 2, Y. Zhang 0, Chao 0, Z. Zhang 0, Zhu 0.

Quarters: 18-13, 45-36, 81-58, 114-75.

—JKC, GMA News