MACAU -- NLEX overwhelmed the Formosa Dreamers behind its solid outside shooting and crisp passing to register a runaway 94-68 win in an explosive debut in the 2018 Asia League Summer Super 8 on Tuesday here at the Macao East Asian Games Dome.
The Road Warriors were all business from the get-go, stepping on the gas at every given opportunity, while relying on good ball movement that led to easy baskets from inside and outside.
Even without young gunners Kevin Alas and Kiefer Ravena, NLEX showed a lot of game behind the heads up plays of veteran big man JR Quinahan and Kenneth Ighalo.
Ighalo, acquired in a trade with KIA (now Columbian) last season, starred for NLEX after leading his team with 14 points spiked by two triples. He also added eight rebounds, two assists and the same number of steals in a sterling effort as a starter.
On the other hand, the 6-4 Quinahan chipped in 10 of his 12 points in the first half to help NLEX establish a 58-27 halftime lead.
The Road Warriors didn't given an inch on the Dreamers in the second half, erecting their biggest lead at 42 late in the third canto before eventually coasting for the win in this 4-nation, 8-team tournament.
The bigger NLEX side dominated the boards, 61-44 and made a living inside with its huge 15-2 advantage in second chance points.
The Dreamers, who won a solitary game in the 2018 Asean Basketball League, were led by Kenny Chien with 18 points. Tian You-Yang added 13, while Charles Jacob Barratt added 12 in a losing effort.
NLEX shoots for its second straight win in the tournament this Wednesday when it faces the ETLand Elephants from the Korean Basketball League at 3 p.m.
THE SCORES
NLEX 94 - Ighalo 14, Quinahan 12, Soyud 12, Tiongson 9, Buenafe 9, Marcelo 8, Taulava 7, Gotladera 7, Baguio 6, Uyloan 5, Tallo 3, Monfort 2
Formosa 68 - Chien 18, Yang 13, Barratt 12, Wu 11, Lin 5, Chih 4, Wei 3, Li 2, Lee 0, Cai 0, Chieh 0.
Quarterscores: 26-14, 58-27, 79-42, 94-68