THE NLEX Road Warriors finally handed coach Frankie Lim his first win with the team, curiously coming at the expense of the ballclub he handled as team manager years back.
The Road Warriors pounded an opening in the fourth quarter and pummeled a 110-101 win over the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Wednesday.
Earl Clark erupted for 45 points on top of 16 rebounds, with Kevin Alas, Don Trollano and Matt Nieto putting in solid back-up jobs as the Road Warriors checked a two-game skid and improved to 3-2.
"We're still learning a new system, but I feel we can play anybody in the league," said Clark, happy both with his individual performance and their showing as a team.
"I just stayed positive. Facing double or triple-team defense, I stayed aggressive, and at the same time I cut down on turnovers. Its coach's first win, and it feels good," added Clark, who averaged just 28.75 points before this game.
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Alas fired 24 points, including four three-pointers, Trollano chipped in 16 while Nieto, starting at point guard spot, came through with 12 markers, four rebounds and three assists as NLEX notched a third win, following earlier triumphs gained under interim coach Adonis Tierra.
"TNT is a big team, and (this win) means a lot especially after two losses," said Lim.
"Iniisip ko nga when will we get our first win. Our next games are all against big teams. Akala ko nga magdederetso-deretso ang talo namin. But we found a way to win," he added.
"I thought TNT's players are too good for us man for man, that's why we played zone. Good thing they didn't shoot well. And I'm just happy to get my first win."
The two teams engaged in a tight game through the first three quarters, then the Road Warriors found some opening, seizing control at 95-83 with 6:40 left to play.
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Oftana, Alas, Nieto, Trollano and Mike Miranda led the way for the Road Warriors even when the Tropa tried to wage a fightback.
The Road Warriors completed their nine-point disposal of the Tropang Giga, though, still with a crippled lineup minus Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Philip Paniamogan, Kenneth Ighalo and Anthony Semerad.
TNT, also with its own health woes, was led by Cameron Oliver with 26 markers and 22 boards.
RR Pogoy led the TNT locals with 19 points, spiked by 5-of-12 shooting from the arc.(SB)
The Scores:
NLEX 110 - Clark 45, Alas 24, Trollano 16, Nieto 12, Miranda 9, Rosales 3, Chua 1, Varilla 0, Fonacier 0, Celda 0, Magat 0.
TNT 101 - Oliver 26, Pogoy 19, M.Williams 16, Oftana 11, Erram 10, Castro 8, Montalbo 6, K.Williams 5, Tungcab 0, Alejandro 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
Quarters: 26-15, 49-45, 74-77, 110-101
