Harris powers NLEX past Columbian

MIKE Harris makes a triumphant debut for NLEX.

Manny Harris exploded for 45 points in his league debut and led NLEX to a 117-111 win over Columbian Dyip last night in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The former National Basketball Association (NBA) guard added five rebounds, four assists, three steals and same number of blocks in a display of all-around performance for the Rod Warriors, who claimed the No. 2 spot with a 5-1 win-loss mark.

JR Quinahan added 15 points and four boards while Kiefer Ravena contributed 11 markers and eight assists for NLEX.

“We expected a hard game against Columbian Dyip. We had a good game in the first half but we relaxed in the second half that allowed them to rally,” Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao said.

“My main concern is Harris because this his is first tournament in six months. He had a hard time adjusting to the time zone. But he’s a competitor. He did what he had to do for us to win this game,” he added.

Harris, who replaced Olu Ashaolu, tallied 18 points in the first half that helped NLEX built a 54-44 advantage.

The Road Warriors continued to charge after the break and Ravena anchored a quick 5-0 blast to erect an 83-66 advantage with 3:24 remaining in the third period.

But the Dyip staged a comeback and even tied the game at 104-all with two minutes remaining.

Quinahan buried three crucial free throws to give NLEX a 109-106 lead and Jericho Cruz made a huge steal that led to the three-point play of Harris to push their lead to 112-106 with 37 seconds left to play.

Rookie CJ Perez paced the Dyip with 21 points and five rebounds while Jackson Corpuz chipped in 20 markers. Import Khapri Alston had 19 points and 17 rebounds for Columbian Dyip, which dropped to 3-3.