NLEX recovered and rediscovered its stroke in crunch time to shrug off pesky Phoenix, 120-115, in overtime to finally earn a win in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
After a collapse late in regulation that led to the extra period, the Road Warriors kept their poise and turned in a strong finish.
NLEX opened overtime on a 9-2 run, with five points coming from Alex Mallari, to take a critical 113-106 lead with over three minutes remaining.
Unlike in the fourth period where it allowed the Fuel Masters to force overtime, the Road Warriors closed out well in the extension to finally crack the winning column.
The scores:
NLEX 120—Moultrie 37, Quiñahan 16, Mallari 13, Fonacier 11, Ravena 9, Miranda 8, Baguio 7, Soyud 7, Tiongson 5, Rios 4, Monfort 3, Ighalo 0.
PHOENIX 115—Wright 31, White 18, Chan 17, Perkins 15, Revilla 9, Mendoza 8, Jazul 8, Kramer 4, Eriobu 2, Chua 2, Alolino 0, Wilson 0, Intal 0.
Quarterscores: 28-25, 57-43, 78-72, 104-104, 120-115 (OT).