FINALLY.
NLEX was able to barge into the win column, upsetting skidding Alaska, 100-92, after trailing big in the first half to have some positive vibes in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Before fouling out late in the game, Wayne Chism finished with 22 points and six rebounds to show the light for the Road Warriors, while finally getting some much needed help from his teammates.
NLEX, which is already out of contention for quite sometime, is winless no more as it improved to 1-9 with a game left in its schedule.
On the other hand, the Aces still couldn’t find their groove, losing their fifth straight after starting the tournament with four straight wins. They fell further to 4-5, just half-a-game ahead of Phoenix for the No. 7 spot.
This loss endangered Alaska as the teams below it are now on the outside looking in.
The Road Warriors, with the game hanging in the balance, ended the game with a bang, unleashing a 14-5 finishing kick to shock the Aces after trailing 86-87 down the stretch.
Juami Tiongson and JR Quinahan each had 16 markers to help NLEX’s cause.
Coming out of the gates with guns blazing, Alaska zoomed ahead to a double-digit lead right away to take control just a few minutes into the game, taking a sizeable 18-5 cushion in the opening quarter and headed the second with a 35-18 separation.
Unlike its previous nine assignments, NLEX for a change, kept its cool and slowly but surely clawed its way back in the game to give itself a chance in the payoff period.
Corey Jefferson took game-high honors with 36 points and 20 rebounds, but was unable lead his team to victory.
The scores:
NLEX 100 – Chism 22, Tiongson 16, Quinahan 16, Alas 11, Al-Hussaini 9, Mallari 7, Monfort 6, Soyud 5, Rios 4, Lastimosa 2, Baracael 2, Ighalo 0, Taulava 0.
ALASKA 92 – Jefferson 36, Manuel 17, Abueva 12, Casio 10, Racal 5, Banchero 3, Thoss 2, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 2, Pascual 1, Cruz 0, Galliguez 0, Hontiveros 0.
Quarterscores: 18-35, 51-48, 76-75, 100-92.