NLEX's Kevin Alas in action. PBA Images
MANILA — NLEX got challenged late but found the composure to hold off Phoenix, 87-81, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Road Warriors led by as much as 20 points at the 50-30 mark early in the third frame, but eventually saw themselves only leading by two in the fourth period, 76-74, as the Fuel Masters returned into the match after Ricci Rivero led a furious comeback.
Rivero converted a triple with 3:44 left, 76-74, to knock on NLEX's doorsteps.
However, Kevin Alas was there to douse the fire, swishing a four-pointer later on to expand their cushion further, 80-74.
Rivero pulled his team once more within two, 83-81, but Alas was again there for the clap back, converting a basket just inside the arc to punish the sloppy defense of Phoenix, 85-81.
Alas suffered a turnover, gifting the possession to the other side with 20 ticks left, but Tyler Tio committed a costly fault on the inbound, turning the ball over after a bad pass that led to a foul on Robert Bolick with 14 seconds remaining.
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Bolick calmly sank the two freebies, marking NLEX's return to the winning column after losing against Terrafirma last time around, 91-97.
Alas finished with 26 points, five rebounds, and three assists to take Best Player of the Game nod, while Anthony Semerad had a huge double-double of 11 markers and 10 boards.
After the game, NLEX coach Jong Uichico commended Alas for his stellar play.
"Ganda 'yung laro ni Kevin ngayon, and I'm happy for Kevin—I think this might be your breakout game, 'di ba?" Uichico told Alas.
JB Bahio had 11 points, Xyrus Torres had 10 points, while Bolick returned to action, delivering nine markers for the winning side.
On the other hand, Rivero paced Phoenix with a 22-point output, to go with six rebounds and two steals.
The Scores:
NLEX 87 – Alas 26, Bahio 11, Semerad 11, Torres 10, Bolick 9, Fajardo 7, Nieto 7, Ramirez 4, Valdez 2, Rodger 0, Mocon 0, Policarpio 0
PHOENIX 81 – Rivero 22, Perkins 15, Ballungay 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Kwekuteye 6, Caperal 5, Nelle 3, Manganti 2, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Santos 0, Escandor 0
QUARTERS: 14-17, 45-30, 70-57, 87-81
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