Road Warriors hang tough vs Superchargers

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX imposed its will early to seize control then bucked the loss of Ola Adeogun in the third period to snap Big Chill’s six-game run with a 97-88 victory in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Trinity University of Asia Gym in Quezon City yesterday. 

Garvo Lanete sizzled with 24 points while Pamboy Raymundo had 14 markers and six assists for the Road Warriors, who raced to double-digit spreads in the first half before thwarting the Superchargers’ fightback in the fourth to tie the Blackwater Elite at fourth at 4-1.

The defending champions, coming off a shock loss to Hog’s Breath Café last week, also hung tough following the ouster of Adeogun, who was slapped a flagrant number two foul.

NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said he challenged his wards after that disappointing loss and the Road Warriors responded with a dominating effort that saw them lead by as many as 19 points late in the third quarter.

“We can’t just show up for a game and expect to win. We have to want to win because any team in this league is capable of winning,” said Fernandez.

He also expressed his disgust over the ouster of his 6-8 slotman.

“I think they should review the tape again. Ola will not hurt anybody. Between him and (Dexter) Maiquez I think it’s Maiquez who is more capable of hurting someone. I really think the refs should check it out,” said Fernandez.

Adeogun, who used his height and heft to dominate in the first half, was called for a flagrant foul number two for head-butting (Maiquez) in a rebound scuffle and was automatically ejected from the game with 7:18 left in the third.

“I’m not objecting the physicality of the game. But if it tends to hurt, I think the officials should do something about it,” Fernandez said.