NLEX unleashes its fury against Terrafirma last night as the Road Warriors cruised to a 142-125 victory behind the 44-point explosion by Don Trollano in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.
The win pushed NLEX closer to securing an outright twice-to-beat edge in the next round as Trollano posted his highest point output and also set a franchise record for most points by an NLEX cager.
Sean Anthony drilled in 37 points and that output stood for seven years until Trollano staged a shooting clinic last night.
It didn’t look as if Trollano would light up the scoreboard as his first attempt from downtown failed to connect.
But he racked up nine straight to set the record for the most consecutive treys made by a PBA player.
“I was asked by Asi (Taulava) to get 50, since it’s his 50th birthday,” said Trollano. “But I ran out of luck in the end. Still, we’re happy to get the win because we badly needed it.”
The Road Warriors also made 23 triples, shoving the squad into a tie with San Miguel Beer for the league record for most threes made in a game.
Import Wayne Selden contributed 38 points as he fell two points shy of pulling off a rare 40-40 game with Trollano.
The last time two players produced a 40-40 game took place more than three decades ago when Terrence Bailey shot 45 points and Allan Caidic hit 42 for Presto Tivoli.
Amid the record-breaking game, the win ensured NLEX a spot in the quarterfinals as it boosted its record to 7-3.
“The scores and records will just come in, but what’s more important is the win,” said NLEX head coach Frankie Lim. “It’s a must-win for us. We need this win to maintain our stand.”
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser emerged with a double-double showing of 19 points and 12 rebounds while Kevin Alas contributed 15 to provide the balance needed by NLEX, which also set a franchise record for most points with the massive 142 it registered last night.
The Scores:
NLEX 142 – Trollano 44, Selden Jr. 38, Ganuelas-Rosser 19, Alas 15, Paniamogan 6, Nieto 5, Rosales 4, Pascual 4, Miranda 3, Doliguez 2, Semerad 2, Gabo 0, Ighalo 0
TERRAFIRMA 125 – Tiongson 38, J.Williams 29, Cahilig 17, Gabayni 13, Ramos 5, Cabagnot 5, Calvo 4, Camson 4, Gomez de Liano 3, Daquioag 3, Alolino 2, Ferrer 2, Mina 0
QUARTERS: 31-27, 66-49, 110-87, 142-125
