NLEX regained its composure just in time to avoid the upset ax against Phoenix, 100-95, and remain unbeaten in the PBA Governors Cup on Sunday.
Import Myke Henry took over the offensive load in the stretch run when the Road Warriors were under heavy attack from the Fuel Masters, before Anthony Semerad scored on a reverse layup and Robbie Herndon nailed a clutch three-pointer to make it a 99-95 lead.
Phoenix, which rallied from the depths of a huge 23-point deficit, went for a game-tying four-point basket to forge overtime play, but JayJay Alejandro’s shot just hit the front of the rim as the Fuel Masters failed to complete what could've been a monumental comeback.
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NLEX won for the second time in a row to tie Rain or Shine on top of the Group B standings.
“We weathered the storm a little bit late. And they got the lead. It’s a good thing we still maintained our composure," said NLEX coach Jong Uichico. “If there’s anything good that happen in today’s game, it’s overcoming adversity. And not giving up, still maintaining our discipline and composure in the last minutes of the game.”
Henry finished with 37 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. He had 10 points in the final quarter including seven straight which he capped with two free throws that gave the lead back to NLEX at 94-93 with 2:03 remaining.
Semerad added 13, while Robert Bolick was held to 11 points, but with seven rebounds and nine assists.
RR Garcia scored 14 of his team-high 18 points in the final quarter to fuel Phoenix’s huge comeback.
The Fuel Masters trailed by as many as 53-30, but made a telling second half run which Garcia highlighted with a four-pointer that suddenly gave the team a 93-89 lead.
Henry then went to work and teamed up with Semerad and Herndon to put back the Road Warriors in front for good.
Phoenix import Jayveous McKinnis had a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds, but was actually on the bench when the team mounted a big comeback behind the all-Filipino crew of Garcia, Javee Mocon, Jason Perkins, rookie Kai Balunggay, and Alejandro.
The scores
NLEX (100) – Henry 37, Semerad 13, Bolick 11, Fajardo 10, Herndon 9, Rodger 8, Amer 6, Marcelo 2, Valdez 2, Policarpio 2.
Phoenix (95) – Garcia 18, McKinnis 15, Perkins 13, Mocon 12, Tio 10, Ballungay 8, Alejandro 5, Tuffin 3, Jazul 2, Muyang 2, Daves 2, Salado 0, Rivero 0.
Quarterscores: 25-16; 53-30; 76-67; 100-95.
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