SCOTTIE Thompson wasn’t about to deny NLEX of its moment in an 89-86 win over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Wednesday night.
Aware the Road Warriors are currently the best defensive team in the conference, the former MVP was no longer surprised with how NLEX held down the Kings scoreless in the final 74 seconds after taking the lead for the last time.
READ: Bolick, Torres rescue NLEX in the face of a late Ginebra comeback
“No excuse para sa amin. We have to work hard more sa practice,” said Thompson.
“We didn’t’ play great, they played great on both ends, offense and defense. I think sila yung no. 1 sa defense, so credit sa NLEX and sa coaching staff nila for their preparation against sa amin," he added.
The Road Warriors did weather a fourth quarter storm by the Kings, who rallied back from the depth of a 17-point deficit behind the torrid shooting of sophomore guard Stephen Holt and Thompson’s gutsy plays.
Thompson’s jump shot with 1:14 to play at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium broke the game’s final deadlock and put Ginebra on top for the last time, 86-84.
But rookie Xyrus Torres showed some ice on his veins by draining a corner three in the final 49 seconds that put NLEX on top for good, 87-86.
Two clutch free throws by Robert Bolick iced the game for NLEX, which clinched its fourth straight win for a 4-1 slate.
Thompson admitted it was a tough loss for the Kings, who evened their record at 2-2, especially after that huge comeback from a 58-41 deficit in the third quarter.
“Sayang, that’s all we can say,” said the veteran guard, who finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
“For us there’s no excuse tulad ng sinabi ko. Siyempre shoulders’ down kasi talo kami. But mahaba pa yung conference and we still have time to bawi. Let’s see. For now, move on and then prepare for our next game since it’s an out of town game.”
Barangay Ginebra will be facing Converge in the second provincial foray in the All-Filipino Conference in San Fernando, Pampanga this Saturday.
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