JB Bahio contributed to the NLEX Road Warriors' balanced attack against the Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Philippine Cup.
When you are a young buck getting limited playing time, you make the most of every second you are inside the court.
That’s exactly what JB Bahio did as NLEX trampled over TNT, 91-74, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Wednesday, April 23.
Bahio turned in a double-double outing with his 13 points and 12 rebounds in a little over 22 minutes of play as the Road Warriors scored back-to-back wins while giving the Tropang 5G a rude welcome in the all-Filipino conference.
“Ibinibigay ko lang 'yong best ko. Hindi ko lang sinasayang 'yong opportunity na ibinibigay ni coach Jong (Uichico, NLEX head coach). Ibinibigay ko lang ang 100 percent ko every game,” said the former San Beda big.
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But while Bahio stood out, other young gunners stepped up as well for the Road Warriors, who built the separation in the middle quarters en route to the dominant win.
Xyrus Torres followed up his 28-point performance last game with 13 this time against the Tropang 5G, while Enoch Valdez and Brandon Ramirez combined for 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Old reliables like Robert Bolick wound up with 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Javee Mocon contributed a near double-double with his 11 points and eight rebounds.
NLEX coach Jong Uichico could not help but be pleased with his young wards’ effort.
“Aside from the veterans, we also need young players to give the energy. When the veterans are out, they give another dimension to our game,” Uichico said after the match.
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It appeared TNT was still trying to grope for form just three weeks after conquering the Commissioner’s Cup.
Nothing was really working for the Tropang 5G, who went 7-for-33 from the three-point area and only had 12 assists.
RR Pogoy paced the Grand Slam-seeking squad with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Kelly Williams added 11 points.
NLEX vs TNT Scores:
NLEX 91 – Bahio 13, Torres 13, Bolick 13, Mocon 11, Ramirez 10, Valdez 10, Semerad 6, Nieto 5, Alas 3, Fajardo 2.
TNT 74 – Pogoy 12, Williams 11, Enciso 9, Erram 9, Nambatac 9, Oftana 8, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 4, Payawal 3, Ebona 2, Heruala 0, Varilla 0.
Quarterscores: 21-19, 47-35, 68-51, 91-74.