NLEX crushes sluggish TNT

NLEX exploited TNT’s championship hangover in a dominating 91–74 decision in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rookie JB Bahio was a revelation, putting up an impressive double-double production of 13 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Road Warriors to their second straight win after three outings.

“I just gave my best and did not waste the opportunity and trust given by coach Jong (Uichico),” said Bahio, who was actually selected 25th overall by Terrafirma in the 2022 Draft but didn’t get to play in the PBA until he signed with NLEX last conference.

Robert Bolick and Xyrus Torres added 13 points each, Javee Mocon had 11 markers while Enoch Valdez and Brandon Ramirez finished with 10 each for the Road Warriors, who set the tone in the rout right in the first half.

NLEX erected its biggest advantage, 91-69, with the game off a Bahio split from the stripes with 2:04 left and the debuting Tropang 5G already waving the white flag.

The grand slam-seeking TNT was just out of it with only RR Pogoy and Kelly Williams submitting double-figure outputs of 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, NorthPort shipped Abu Tratter to Blackwater for James Kwekuteye in a straight-up trade approved by the league Wednesday.

The transaction came on the heels of the Batang Pier swapping injured forward JM Calma for Avan Nava and San Miguel Beer’s second round pick in the next Draft.