NLEX smooth ride continues

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX kept its unimpeded roll going and dominated Terrafirma, 116-86, for a leading 4-0 slate in the 46th PBA Governors’ Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

KJ McDaniels dished out 34 points and 13 rebounds while Kevin Alas fired 20 as the Road Warriors stayed hot and added the Dyip to their list of victims along with reigning Philippine Cup titlist TNT, NorthPort and San Miguel Beer.

McDaniels and Alas stood at the forefront of their late third-quarter breakaway, igniting a telling 17-7 blast for a 77-66 spread. The rampaging Road Warriors padded their lead to as many as 31 at 116-85 en route to the triumph that allowed them to match their franchise-best start first posted in the 2017 edition with Aaron Fuller as import.

“We’re happy with our start but we’re cautiously optimistic. I don’t think the other teams are as ready as we all should be,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao.

“It’s a good sign but we don’t want to be looking at ourselves like we’re contending at this point. We’re just trying to get better everyday. We’ll see if we can push as far as we can,” he added.

Antonio Hester banged in 27 for the Dyip (1-3), whose bid was hurt by the ankle injury suffered by veteran Alex Cabagnot in the third period and the absence of Andreas Cahilig (flu).

“They (Terrafirma) were in there, they were actually giving us trouble for three quarters. Minalas lang nung na-foul trouble yung import at na-injure si Alex. It’s also a lucky break for us,” said Guiao.

The NLEX mentor also lauded the defensive efforts of Tony Semerad on Hester as well as the reinforcements of the other teams.

Later, powerhouse San Miguel Beer blew past Blackwater, 107-88, to start a two-game streak and improve to 2-2.

With Marcio Lassiter on fire, SMB stormed to a 22-6 opening to set the tone for the one-sided win and drag the Bossing to 0-4, their woeful skid stretched to 23 games since last year’s Clark bubble.

Meanwhile, defending champion Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia aim to stay unbeaten against separate opponents today ahead of their anticipated Christmas Day rivalry duel.

The Gin Kings target win No. 3 against Phoenix (2-1) at 5:30 p.m. while the Hotshots eye back-to-back victories versus Rain Or Shine (2-1) at 3 p.m.