By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE NLEX Road Warriors are no longer winless in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup after barging into the win column on Sunday with a 107-97 disposal of the Columbian Dyip at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Using a strong opening quarter that had it scoring 39 points, the Road Warriors just did not relinquish their lead the rest of the way to finally book their first victory after opening their bid in the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association tournament with three straight losses.
Led by JP Erram and Kenneth Ighalo, NLEX opened the proceedings with a 10-2 run in the first two minutes, extending it to a 24-6 separation midway into the opening frame.
The Road Warriors continued with their explosion for the duration of the quarter and held a 39-16 advantage in the end.
In the second period, it was more of the same with NLEX waxing hot in the collective.
Columbian tried to rally back, led by guard Rashawn McCarthy, but had little success and found themselves trailing still, 68-42, by the halftime break.
The Dyip though would come out and play better in the third period.
Playing with more energy and resilience on the lead of top rookie pick CJ Perez, Columbian steadily chipped away on the lead of NLEX.
It managed to cut its deficit to just 15 points, 81-66, at the 4:35 mark before taking it further and be down by just seven, 85-78, entering the fourth period.
Mr. Perez and the Dyip kept the pressure on NLEX to start the final canto, coming to within five points, 91-86, with 8:23 to go.
But Mr. Erram would steady the NLEX ship on both ends of the court, helping his team to another double-digit lead, 97-86, at the halfway point of the fourth quarter.
The Dyip made a last-ditch effort to complete a comeback but the Road Warriors would not budge and held on for the much-needed win.
Mr. Erram led NLEX (1-3) with 23 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks with Mr. Ighalo adding 19 points and 11 boards.
Marion Magat also had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds while Kevin Alas had 13 points.
Columbian (2-2), meanwhile, was paced by Jay-r Reyes with 17 points and nine rebounds with Messrs. Perez and McCarthy each chipping in 16 points.
“We talked about playing collectively and not just relying on one or two players. And we played like that today and we got the win. Basketball is all about team play and hopefully we can continue this,” said Mr. Erram, named player of the game along with Mr. Magat, after their victory.
NLEX and Columbian return to action on Feb. 2 against separate opponents with the Road Warriors taking on the Meralco Bolts and the Dyip facing the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, respectively.

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