NLEX snaps skid, outlasts TNT in Pampanga

• Source: http://www.philstar.com/sports/2017/01/07/1660549/nlex-snaps-skid-outlasts-tnt-pampanga
• Saturday, January 7, 2017 7:30 pm

By Denison Rey A. Dalupang (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines — The NLEX Road Warriors were finally able to put their losing skid to a halt after defeating TNT KaTropa, 110-98 , in a rare PBA affair at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Saturday night.

The Road Warriors, who were only able to win secure their second victory in seven outings, banked on the services of Carlo Lastimosa, who finished with 23 points. Sean Anthony and Kevin Alas provided the added scoring punches with 13 and 12 markers, respectively.

"It's a big relief to win after a five-game losing streak. It's more special because it's against a contender. But it's just one win for us, it's a long way for us," said new NLEx head coach Yeng Guiao, a native of Pampanga.

"It's a good start for the new year. We hope this sets the tone," he added. Close Ad X

The win puts the struggling Road Warriors a notch higher the 1-5 Mahindra Enforcers.

The KaTropa, who also have a new coach in Nash Racela, relied on Jayson Castro, who finished with 17 points. Kris Rosales and Mo Tautuaa both chimed in 15 to keep the game within reach. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

"We need to keep on improving. We still need fine-tune our system, and our culture," Guiao said.

"It's the probably the law of averages, 'no?" he offered. "If you play badly for five games, one of these days darating din yung maganda mong laro. It just happened that it was tonight."

The Road Warriors will face GlobalPort next, followed by Phoenix. They will end the elimination round with back-to-back sessions against Mahindra and Barangay Ginebra.