GOOD START FOR NLEX IN DUBAI
DUBAI, UAE – NLEX got off to a good start in the 2015 Dubai International Basketball Tournament, downing Itihad of Libya, 81-71, at the Al Ahli Club here Friday night (early Saturday Manila time).
After a rather shaky start and falling behind 6-12 against the taller and heftier Libyans, the Road Warriors settled down behind Asi Taulava, import Al Thornton, KG Canaleta and Mac Cardona.
NLEX seized control in the second quarter, and from a 24-24 at the end of the first period, the Filipinos went into the halftime break up, 44-35.
There was no looking back after that as the Road Warriors, getting much needed lift from the predominantly Filipino gallery, continued to stamp their class, padding their lead to as much as 78-62 before coasting to victory.
The 41-year-old Taulava was a force in the paint as he tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds. Thornton, slowly getting into game shape, added 20 points and 9 rebounds. Cardona and Canaleta chipped in 13 and 9 points, respectively.
“They’re strong but we played better basketball. It was a total team effort,” said NLEX team manager Ronald Dulatre.
“Our sixth man was the crowd. Thanks to our kababayans. Grabe ang suporta nila. This win is for them,” Dulatre added.
Import Deandre Rice had 21 points to pace Itihad, which was outclassed in almost all fronts. (JL/Photo by M Malate)
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