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NLEX survives late Kia push for 2-0 start

NLEX import Aaron Fuller, shown here passing the ball to a teammate, issued another double-double in the Road Warrior's win over Kia.
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—NLEX ended the PBA Commissioner's Cup on a strong note.

Now, the team is continuing a strong start in the Governors' Cup.

The Road Warriors scored their second straight win in the season-ending conference—and fourth straight overall since last conference—with a 100-93 decision over the Kia Picanto at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

NLEX, however, needed to withstand one final push from Kia to preserve the victory.

Up by as much as 27, 78-51, in the third quarter, the Road Warriors found their lead chopped down to just five, 98-93, with 14.1 seconds remaining.

However, that turned out to be the Picanto's last gasp as the Road Warriors got two free throws from JR Quiñahan to seal the win.

Aaron Fuller scored 24 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, gave up one assist, and got two steals and one block for NLEX, which also started 2-0 in the 2016 Philippine Cup.

Kevin Alas and Carlo Lastimosa each chipped in 13 markers.

Markeith Cummings fired 30 markers with 15 caroms, three dimes, and one block for Kia, which fell to 0-2.

Box Scores:

NLEX 100-Fuller 24, Alas 13, Lastimosa 13, Quiñahan 11, Taulava 8, Al-Hussaini 6, Mallari 6, Soyud 6, Baracael 5, Villanueva 5, Fonacier 3, Ighalo 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0, Rios 0

Kia 93-Cummings 30, Khobuntin 15, Jaime 13, Celda 8, Paniamogan 6, Elorde 6, Yee 4, Corpuz 4, Camson 3, Salva 2, Nimes 2, Caperal 0, Galanza 0, Teng 0, Ballesteros 0

Quarterscores: 36-18, 64-40, 83-70, 100-93

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