NLEX improves to 2-1, keeps Star winless

BINAN, Laguna – The NLEX Road Warriors closed out with two baskets on crucial offensive rebounds in the dying seconds as they topped the Star Hotshots, 106-99, in a Petron Blaze Saturday Special at the Alonte Sports Arena here.

Al Thornton and Kevin Alas delivered those key plays to seal their second win in three starts in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Asi Taulava, Jonas Villanueva and Kevin Alas had their significant contributions, helping the franchise score a first-ever win over Star Hotshots.

“This is our first against them, and I’m happy for our guys with this breakthrough,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

The Hotshots had a chance to run a possible game-tying play when Thornton missed a short jumper with 25 ticks to go, but Denzel Bowles made an errant lead pass to PJ Simon.

Then while still down at 99-102 with 5.8 seconds left, the Hotshots let the Road Warriors escape through as they failed to grab the rebound following two missed charities by Villanueva.

Thornton got the carom and scored on a layup as the Road Warriors handed the Hotshots a third loss in a row in the mid-season tourney.

“They (the Hotshots) played with a lot of intensity but our guys stood their ground,” said the NLEX bench chieftain.

Thornton sizzled with a game-high 35 points while Garvo Lanete came through with a career-best 21 markers.

With Thornton resting on the bench early in the fourth period, Lanete and Taulava took charge, sparking a run that gave NLEX a 100-91 cushion entering the last two minutes of the game.

The Hotshots then waged a chase behind Bowles.

“The Hotshots, with their lineup, will be back and will be in the thick of things,” said Fernandez.

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