Earl Clark exploded with 45 points as NLEX snapped an alarming 2-game skid with a 110-101 win over TNT in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup at the Philsports Arena Wednesday night.
The NLEX journeyman also emerged victorious in a dogfight with 16 rebounds and four blocks along with his double-digit markers against his counterpart, Tropang Giga import Cameron Oliver.
But it was the locals' firepower that sealed the deal.
Kevin Alas produced 24 points, Don Trollano chipped in 15, Matt Nieto contributed 12 and Mike Miranda tallied nine, including two triples to allow the Road Warriors bounce back from two straight losses and reward returning coach Frankie Lim with his first win as coach of the franchise.
The Road Warriors improved their win-loss record to 3-2 as they move up to solo third spot of this import-laced tournament.
NLEX won despite missing the services of top overall pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser due to health and safety protocols.
The team also had three players on the injured list — Anthony Semerad (bone spur incision), JR Quinahan (Achilles surgery) and Philip Paniamogan (meniscus injury).
TNT absorbed its second loss in four games.
Cameron Oliver led the Tropang Giga with 26 points and 22 rebounds, but was scoreless in the fourth quarter.
The scores:
NLEX (110) — Clark 45, Alas 24, Trollano 16, Nieto 12, Miranda 9, Rosales 3, Chua 1, Celda 0, Magat 0, Varilla 0, Fonacier 0.
TNT (101) — Oliver 26, Pogoy 19, Williams 16, Oftana 11, Erram 10, Castro 8, Montalbo 6, K. Williams 5, Tungcab 0, Alejandro 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
Quarters: 26–15; 49-45; 74-77; 110-101.