Taulava, Thornton lift NLEX to opening win in Dubai

MANILA, Philippines -- Asi Taulava and import Al Thornton formed a dominant twin tower combo for the NLEX Road Warriors as they drubbed Al Ittihad-Libya at the Al Ahli Club’s indoor hall on Saturday (Manila time) to open their 26th Dubai International Basketball Championships on a bright note.

The 6-foot-9 Taulava scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while the 6-foot-8 Thornton complemented him with a near double-double (20 points and nine rebounds). Their towering presence were too much for the Libyans to overcome.

"Al (Thornton) played well despite him being not yet in shape. But I like him with the way he inspires his teammates," Fernandez told Philstar.com via text message from Dubai.

Thornton, a former first round pick, showed his leadership on and off the floor as he led a big NLEX comeback after a slow start that saw the Road Warriors fell behind early, 6-12.

Taulava gave the big crowd composed mainly of Filipino overseas workers in the Middle East an unforgettable moment with an in-your-face dunk against Libya's reinforcements.

Mac Cardona and KG Canaleta added 13 and nine points, respectively, for the NLEX which will face Sporting Club of Lebanon next on January 19.

Al Ittihad's American import Deandre Rice led the perennial title contenders with 21 points in a losing effort.