Don Trollano of NLEX looks to score against three NorthPort defenders. PBA photo
NLEX outplays NorthPort
NLEX played hard enough to roll back undermanned NorthPort, 109-95, and clinch the No. 6 seed in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Raul Soyud and Calvin Oftana provided the firepower for NLEX, which closed out its elimination round sked with back-to-back victories and a 6-5 win-loss record.
Soyud finished with 19 points and Oftana added 18 points and eight rebounds for the Road Warriors, who avoided facing a twice-to-beat playoff disadvantage by finishing as the No. 6 seed.
NLEX also got strong games from Don Trollano (16 points), Philip Paniamogan (15 points, six rebounds, six assists), Tony Semerad (15 points, seven rebounds) and Justin Chua (nine points, nine rebounds, six assists).
Soyud and Oftana combined for 22 points in the first half alone as NLEX took as much as 27-point lead over a NorhPort team which missed the services of Robert Bolick and Jamie Malonzo due to health and safety protocols.
Rookie JM Calma had 21 points and nine rebounds for NorthPort which wound up with a 3-8 record.
Roi Sumang flirted with a triple-double with 12 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds cor the Batang Pier.
Meanwhile, the PBA awarded a plaque of appreciation to Limitless App for its dedication, sacrifice and commitment to represent the country and for bringing honor and pride by winning the bronze medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games 3×3 competition held last May 14 in Vietnam.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial presented the plaque to Phoenix Super LPG team governor Atty, Raymond Zorilla, team manager Paolo Bugia and Limitless App head coach Willie Wilson.
Also present during the award ceremony were Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua and league vice chairman and Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales.
The scores:
NLEX (109) — Soyud 19, Oftana 18, Trollano 16, Paniamogan 15, Semerad 15, Chua 9, Miranda 8, Fonacier 4, Varilla 3, Nieto 2, Ighalo 0.
NorthPort (95) — Calma 21, Ferrer 16, Sumang 12, Ayaay 11, Vigil 10, Balanza 8, Dela Cruz 7, Santos 4, Subido 3, Javier 3
Quarterscores: 28-16, 57-39, 83-66, 109-95.
