NLEX opened its PBA Governors’ Cup campaign in dominant fashion, routing the Macau Giant Pandas, 114-75, to hand coach Jimmy Alapag his first official league win since his return.

The Road Warriors showcased balance and unselfish play, tallying 30 assists while all 16 players saw action.

“I’m really happy with the group, with their competitive spirit and unselfishness,” Alapag said. “We had 30 assists. That says a lot. It’s a good foundation we can build on.”

Jones led NLEX with 23 points, while Alas added 19 and Gonzales chipped in 13. Bahio and Winston also finished in double figures.

Macau leaned on Chongqui’s 35 points and Perry’s 26 but got little support.

After a close first half, NLEX broke the game open in the third quarter, building an 81-58 lead and cruising the rest of the way.

SCORES:

NLEX 114 — Jones 23, Alas 19, Gonzales 13, Bahio 11, Winston 10, Bolick 9, Ramirez 6, Torres 6, Valdez 5, Gamboa 5, Capulong 4, Nieto 3, Herndon 0, Semerad 0, Rodger 0, Racal 0.

Macau 75 — Chongqui 35, Perry 26, Cao 4, Liu 4, Lam 4, Li 2, Y. Zhang 0, Chao 0, Z. Zhang 0.

QUARTERS: 18-13, 45-36, 81-58, 114-75.