NLEX doubles Meralco’s woes in thriller

By Randolph B. Leongson

NLEX showed no love for Meralco, sending its sister team sprawling to its second straight defeat, 104-99, in the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s our defense that gave us this win. I appreciate the effort if my players. They committed to play defense in the second half,” said coach Boyet Fernandez.

The win pulled the Road Warriors to an even 3-3 record, tied with Blackwater, Mahindra, and Ginebra.

Al Thornton once again starred for NLEX, scattering his 38 points, including 20 in the third period and towing the Warriors to a comeback from from 12-points down. He also had 12 rebounds.

With the game tied at 81 early in the fourth, the Road Warriors unleashed a 14-2 tear to hold a 95-83 edge midway in the period.

Simon Enciso and Jared Dillinger traded huge treys to make it a three-point game, 102-99, with 25.4 seconds left. Sean Anthony split his freebies on the other end, but Baser Amer threw a bad cross-court pass which took the air out of the Bolts. Kevin Alas iced the game with another split from the line for NLEX.

Garvo Lanete also went for 14 markers, while Alas got 10.

“I’m hoping this would be a good start for us looking ahead for Sunday’s game against TNT,” said Fernandez.

It was the second straight defeat for Meralco after five consecutive wins.

Arinze Onuaku led the Bolts with 16 points and 18 rebounds.

Dillinger and Amer both finished with 14 markers apiece.

The Scores:

NLEX 104 – Thornton 38, Lanete 14, Alas 10, Anthony 9, Taulava 8, Khobuntin 7, E. Villanueva 7, Enciso 6, J. Villanueva 3, Reyes 2, Borboran 0, Arboleda 0.
MERALCO 99 – Onuaku 16, Amer 14, Dillinger 14, Alapag 11, Ferriols 10, Newsome 10, Faundo 8, Hugnatan 8, Hodge 4, Bono 2, Caram 2, Ro. Buenafe 0, David 0.

Quarters: 24-31, 50-57, 81-79, 104-99.

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