San Miguel def NLEX, 100-92 [Season 47 PH Cup | June 10, 2022]

The winner gets to a 2-0 record, but more important for the Beermen and Road Warriors is how they would be able to keep on improving as the season-opening conference goes on.

NLEX has already shown its grit by charging back from 16 points down at halftime to trip youth-laden Terrafirma, 105-102, last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After shooting just 10-for-38 in the first half, including 2-for-18 from beyond the arc, the Road Warriors made 22 of 42 shots in the last two quarters of play, lacing that blazing performance with a 6-for-11 clip from deep.

“I am very happy with the way we won because makikita mo ‘yung character ng team, na kaya naming magbalik from the 16 points na inilamang nila (Dyip),” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. “Kayod hanggang huli, so I look at it as a good sign of the character of this team.”

Calvin Oftana was at the forefront of that Road Warriors attack by scattering 18 of his 20 points with JR Quinahan adding 15 of his 18, Don Trollano 13 of his 15 and Kevin Alas 11 of his gamehigh 24.

“Siguro kung hindi ganoon kasama ang opensa namin nu’ng first half p’wedeng hindi ganoon kahirap ipanalo ‘yung laro,” noted Guiao.