BOCAUE -- NLEX defied the odds of a Christmas show from Stanley Pringle to beat GlobalPort, 115-104, in the first out-of-town action of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philippine Arena on Monday.
In a game of runs, the Yeng Guiao-led side spoiled the return of Pido Jarencio as the Batang Pier gaffer despite Pringle dropping 33 points.
The Road Warriors started the game on an 8-0 run, but the Batang Pier answered with an 8-2 run of their own that cut the lead down to two, 10-8.
NLEX retook control with a 7-2 run for a 17-10 cushion, but GlobalPort put up an 11-2 run of its own to go up 21-19.
The Road Warriors tried to pull away anew in the second period, opening the quarter on a 12-2 run to break out of a 25-all tie and lead, 37-27, only for the Batang Pier to force a 45-all deadlock later in the frame. The Warriors scored the last five points of the half to go up, 50-45.
Just as the offense began to pick up in the second half, however, they began to pull away for good as they go 2-0 in the team standings despite a late run from the Batang Pier.
Kiefer Ravena tallied 20 points, two rebounds, five assists, and four steals off the bench, while JR Quiñahan chipped in 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block for NLEX.
Pringle also put up 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals for GlobalPort.
Box scores:
NLEX 115-Ravena 20, Quinahan 19, Fonacier 12, Tiongson 10, Alas 9, Baguio 8, Gotladera 8, Miranda 8, Mallari 6, Monfort 5, Rios 5, Taulava 3, Al-Hussaini 2
GlobalPort 104-Pringle 33, Anthony 19, Grey 13, NAbong 9, Arana 8, Elorde 5, Guinto 4, Taha 4, Juico 4, Sargent 2, Flores 2, Gabayni 1
Quarterscores: 25-25, 50-45, 84-76, 115-104 (PNA)
