SMART CLARK GIGA CITY , Philippines – Giant-killing NLEX struck again, taking down holder San Miguel Beer, 124-90, to stay on the path to the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals yesterday at the AUF Sports Arena Powered by Smart 5G.
F r e s h from back-t o - b a c k dispatching of mighty TNT Tropang Giga and contender Rain or Shine, the fired-up Road Warriors brought out their A-game again and ripped the Beermen to shreds to jack up their record to 4-5.
Thus, NLEX moved half a game off idle Magnolia (4-4), the squad clinging to the final spot in the Magic 8.
The Beermen, who played without Marcio Lassiter (strained calf), suffered their second straight setback and slipped to 5-4.
Earlier, Alaska became the latest team to book a ticket to the quarters after chalking up its sixth victory in 10 outings at the expense of NorthPort, 102-94.
Ter raf i rma snapped a harrowing seven-game bubble drought after outplaying Blackwater in the morning hostilities, 110-101.
Unheralded Mike Miranda turned in 22 points built on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-4 from deep, to pace the NLEX side making a run at the playoffs after its early struggles.
“We still can’t afford to look further than the next game,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, whose wards beat TNT by 11 and ROS by 20 before the 34-point rout of SMB.
“Our attitude is still we’re in training camp mode, trying to get better every game, getting in better shape,” added Guiao, noting their improved conditioning of late. “We’re a lot sharper, more cohesive offensively and defensively now. And we’re just looking at those good signs.”
Guiao banked on an array of heroes aside from Miranda. Kevin Alas accounted for 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists, providing the spark in their first-half breakaway, while Kiefer Ravena (14), JR Quinahan (14), Jericho Cruz (11) and Tony Semerad (10) submitted double-figure scores.
NLEX held SMB star Mo Tautuaa to 10 markers on a 4-of-10 clip. Paul Zamar took over scoring duties with 23.
Meanwhile, the Aces roared to a 12-point spread in the fourth then quashed the Batang Pier’s furious fightback to seal their quarters entry.
Abu Tratter (16-6) and Rodney Brondial (16-10) led the parade as Alaska prevailed and laid to waste the monster 39-16-5 performance of Christian Standhardinger for NorthPort (1-7).
“It’s been a roller-coaster tournament but what I’m really happy about is the fact that each and every day, the guys have shown their willingness to stick to the basics and continue to trust one another,” said Alaska’s Jeff Cariaso.