NLEX banked on the endgame heroics of Aaron Fuller and JR Quinahan to turn back Alaska, 116-110, in overtime and resuscitate its bid for a seat in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Friday night.
Fuller put up monster numbers of 42 points and 22 rebounds as the Road Warriors claimed their fifth win in 10 games to boost their campaign for a quarterfinal berth.
If they win their last game against Rain or Shine, they will advance to the quarters.
“We knew it was a must-win. We focused on defense and getting rebounds. We knew it was not going to be easy but we came together as a team. We were able to close out. I’m glad we came through,” said Fuller.
The import tied the score at 99-99 with two seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime, before extending his inspired play in the extra period, where his key shots and Quinahan’s allowed the Road Warriors to snap out of a three-game losing skid and stay in the hunt for the playoffs.
“Aaron Fuller just carried us on our shoulders tonight,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao.
The Aces suffered their third loss against seven wins, but they could still claim the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with a victory over NorthPort in their last game.
Alaska could have secured the win in regulation, but Vic Manuel only managed a split from the line for a 99-97 count.
This paved the way for Fuller taking it strong to the hoop against two defenders, forcing the tie at 99-all.
With the Aces not having a timeout left, Chris Exciminiano was forced to take the final shot, which he bricked.
Ably backing Fuller was Quinahan, who was most effective in the extra period where he scored 10 of his 15 points.
With Mike Harris hobbled by cramps, Jvee Casio picked up the cudgels in the extra period, hitting a triple that gave Alaska a 108-107 lead.
Harris went back into the ball game for defense, blocked Fuller’s first attempt but could not stop the NLEX import from scoring on the put-back.
Another opportunity to give Alaska a safer lead went Chris Banchero’s way but he failed to complete a three-point play as the Aces led by 110-109 with only 55 seconds left.
Quinahan then gave the Road Warriors the go-ahead basket—a triple for a 112-110 NLEX lead, which the team preserved with several key stops.
Quinahan iced the game from the free throw line.
Harris fired 35 points, hauled 26 rebounds and had four blocks, while Manuel added 22 points. Casio scored 16.
The scores:
NLEX 116 – Fuller 42, Quinahan 15, Galanza 8, Ighalo 8, Tallo 7, Baguio 7, Tiongson 3, Soyud 2, Fonacier 2, Taulava 0.
Alaska 110 – Harris 35, Manuel 22, Casio 16, Enciso 10, Banchero 9, Teng 6, Racal 6, Baclao 4, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 0, Pascual 0.
Quarters: 19-20, 53-43, 77-77, 99-99, 116-110.