Lebanese squad routs NLEX in Dubai tiff

MANILA, Philippines – NLEX failed to sustain the momentum of their opening win in the 26th Dubai International Basketball Tournament as they rammed into two-time champion Riyadi Sporting Club of Lebanon losing by a mile, 83-111, on Sunday (Monday Manila time) at the Al Ahli Club.

The Road Warriors were impressive in their 81-71 win over Al Ittihad of Libya in their opening assignment. But against the Sporting Club, the winningest team in Lebanon with 24 national titles, the Road Warriors' NBA veteran import Al Thornton was shackled by the Lebanese unforgiving defense.

"We lost last night to a very strong Lebanese team but we learned a lot from the game which we can adapt in the PBA," NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez told Philstar.com in a text message from Dubai.

After the loss, the team went on a Safari ride as part of their team building before they take on UAE national team, which beat Al Ittihad, 80-78, in the other game to improve to 2-1.

"Safari is ok.  We did enjoy and yes we did bond," Fernandez said.

The multi-titled coach, who has won titles in the PBA, D-League and NCAA, is using this tournament as part of their preparation for the coming Commissioner's Cup that will tip-off on January 27.

Fernandez liked what the team has been experiencing so far in the Middle East as they gear for their first full conference with him on board.

The former PBA gunner-turned coach missed the first few games of the Road Warriors' in the Philippine Cup as was busy steering the San Beda Red Lions to the NCAA title.

"This is a great opportunity for us to know each other well and for Al (Thornton) to adjust to the team," Fernandez added.

A win against UAE will improve the Road Warriors to advance to the quarterfinals of this club tournament featuring nine strong teams.