Road Warriors survive Aces in OT
NLEX and Alaska Milk engaged in the first overtime game in the season with the Road Warriors pulling through, 99-97, in the end on four missed gimmes by the Aces in the last 10 seconds.
RJ Jazul first clunked a layup then Jaypee Mendoza and Dondon Hontiveros muffed three follow-ups, allowing the Road Warriors an escape act in their first game under coach Yeng Guiao.
Old reliable Sean Anthony and new recruits Bradwyn Guinto and Carlo Lastimosa played key roles to get NLEX to a triumphant start in PBA Season 42 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
Anthony came up with a solid double-double game with 21 points and 14 rebounds while Guinto had his own double-double job in his NLEX debut, logging 17 markers and 10 boards.
Lastimosa contributed 15 points that included clutch conversions at the finish.
“We’ve been really excited to play together as a team, and this is a good way to start it,” said Guiao.
“We need game like this to build character for this team. We know we’re putting in a new system and a new culture. We need to face adversities like this to strengthen the character and personality of the team,” Guiao added.
Guiao acknowledged crucial breaks that helped them win the game.
“Swerte kami doon sa apat na misses nila at doon sa absence ni Calvin Abueva,” said Guiao.
With Abueva nursing a slight ailment, rookie Bryan Carl Cruz, Vic Manuel, Noy Baclao and Jazul carried the cudgels for the Aces.
Cruz and Manuel top scored with 20 and 19 points, respectively, but both fouled out with plenty of time left in the game.
The match went into overtime at 88-all as Lastimosa’s three-point attempt at the buzzer rimmed out.
Trailing most of the first half, the Aces pounced on successive lapses by the Road Warriors as they zoomed ahead, 53-46, at the half.
Manuel and Cruz scored 15 and 13, respectively, leading the Aces’ turnaround from an 11-point deficit to a seven-point lead in the opening half.
Cashing in on quick attacks early on, the Road Warriors enjoyed their 11-point lead at 27-16.
The Road Warriors, however, threw the ball numerous times as they started to get tired. NLEX committed 17 turnovers just in the first 24 minutes of play.
The Aces led by as many as 12 at 62-50 before the Road Warriors hit a good rhythm again and rallied to pull even at 64-all.
The two teams engaged in a close battle to the finish.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
