The forward Robbie Herndon is happy to have found a new home in NLEX after being rejected by San Miguel.

Herndon made his Road Warriors debut against Meralco in the PBA On Tour game on Wednesday night at the Ynares Arena in Pasig, which they lost, 83-96. The American-Filipino swingman, 29, played for around 24 minutes.

He made three of nine field goal attempts for nine points. Herndon noted that he is content just being back on the court, it makes him happy and grateful. NLEX has performed well so far, the most significant factor to him is that they have already made him feel at home; despite him having only been with the team for a week.

After going a month without a team, the 6-foot-3 forward, who recently inked a two-year contract with NLEX, acknowledged that he is still working on getting back into game shape.

Herndon emphasized his excitement to get along with his new colleagues as he works to assist the Road Warriors advance past their 2023 PBA Governor’s Cup quarter final finish from last March.

Herndon declared that he is simply eager to continue forming bonds with his teammates and learn the team functions and how specific players contribute. He also said he just wants to demonstrate his abilities to the squad and do his part to succeed.  

Since entering the league in 2017, the San Francisco State product has played for four different organizations. Before spending time with Alaska (now Converge) and San Miguel, he first played for Magnolia.

On a wet Wednesday night, Meralco defeated NLEX 96-83 in the 2023 PBA On Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City thanks to an explosive Alvin Pasaol.

With a game-high 25 points and 7 of 10 from outside the arc, Pasaol helped the Bolts win their second straight game in the tournament.

Pasaol led Meralco to a decisive fourth-quarter victory by scoring 16 of his team-high 25 points in that period alone.

The Mythical Five of the UAAP Men’s Basketball Season 81 included Pasaol. He averaged 24.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game there to conclude the season.

Since head coach Luigi Trillo had personal things to attend to, Vucinic made all of the decisions for Meralco.

Along with his 12 points, Raymond Almazan pulled down 8 rebounds. Diego Dario and Allein Maliksi both recorded 11 points at the same time.

The Bolts have improved to a 5-4 win-loss record, which moves them up to third in the preseason standings.

On the other end, versatile forward Sean Anthony notched a double double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. NLEX was unable to overcome Meralco’s firepower, but it did try.

With 17 points and nine rebounds, Don Trollano led the Road Warriors in scoring. Along with nine assists, Matt Nieto added 15 goals and 15 points.

The Road Warriors, who are currently 3-5, will try to get back on track on Friday, July 21, also at the same Pasig location. Ignacio, Jose Gabriel.

The Scores

• Meralco 96 – Pasaol 25, Almazan 12, Dario 11, Maliksi 11, Johnson 10, Rios 6, Pascual 6, Hodge 4, Torres 4, Quinto 3, Jose 2, Black 0.
• NLEX 83 – Anthony 15, Trollano 17, Nieto 11, Herndon 10, Alas 10, Doliguez 9, Pascual 4, Adamos 3, Fajardo 0.

Quarter scores: 24-20; 43-39; 71-62; 96-83.