The NLEX Road Warriors achieved what was expected of them yesterday—win the title via a sweep

With reserve forwards Chris Ellis and Calvin Abueva providing a huge lift, the Road Warriors weathered a strong resistance from Freego Jeans for an 89-75 victory in Game 2 of their titular series to clinch the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the San Juan Arena.

Ellis scored 15 of his team-high 20 points in the second half  while Abueva tallied 17 and had 12 rebounds for the Road Warriors, who wrapped up the best-of- three series two games to nil.

It was the second straight championship for NLEX which also claimed the fledgling league’s inaugural tournament – the Foundation Cup.

“I told you guys, coach Leo has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. They pushed us to the limit today but I’m pleased with the way my players responded,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

Freego Jeans provided NLEX a good challenge but their lack of bench depth spelled the difference when push came to a shove.

Freego’s big men – Eric Camson, John Lopez, and Rodney Brondial  -- held their own against NLEX’s frontcourt and that’s the reason why the Jeans Makers managed to keep the game close for three quarters.

“We gave them (Road Warriors) a good fight. And they treated us with respect. But their bench is just awesome. Masyadong malalim. Nevertheless, they deserve the championship,” said Freego Jeans coach Leo Austria.

The 6-foot-6 Ellis made his presence felt in the third quarter scoring 10 points that included 2 of 3 shooting from the 3-point range.

His explosion energized the Road Warriors’ offense as NLEX outscored Freego, 24-13 in the period.

Ellis, who went 6 of 11 from the field, gave NLEX the lead for good, 47-45, with his second 3-pointer two minutes into the third and his dunk with late in the period drew wild roars from the crowd that included the Road Warriors’ number one supporter and boss, Manny V. Pangilinan. 

“This (championship) is our gift to management for all their support to the team,” said Fernandez, adding “every championship is sweet, bu each of them had their own memorable moments.”

Clifford Hodge was the only NLEX starter in double digit with 15 points that went with his 17 rebounds as the Road Warriors dominated the boards, 55-35.

The Jeans Makers had their moments in the first half.

NLEX led 9-2 when the Freego went on a 20-9 run to take a 22-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Camson, who led all scorers with 24 points, had 13 points in the period.

During that Freego breakaway, NLEX committed six turnovers and missed seven of eight attempts from the field.

The Jeans Makers sustained their energy in the second quarter and posted their biggest lead at 43-34 on a four-point play by Lester Alvarez (15 points, six assists).

But things changed drastically at the start of the second half.

RR Garcia, who struggled offensively in this series, and Ellis opened the third with back-to-back 3-pointers that spark a 13-1 blast that shove the Road Warriors to a 54-46 lead. (endit)

The scores:

NLEX 89 – Ellis 20, Abueva 17, Hodge 15, Lanete 9, Montfort 8, Sanggalang 6, Garcia 6, Dehesa 3, Marcelo 2, Hermida 0, Belencion 0.

Freego Jeans 75 – Camson 24, Alvarez 15, Lopez 14, Nuyles 12, Apinan 5, Brondial 2, Cabrera 2, Austria 1, Lozada 0, Manyara 0.

Quarters: 18-22; 41-45; 65-58; 89-75