NLEX shrugs poor Q3 start to down Alaska

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--NLEX bounced back from a poor showing in the opening moments of the third quarter to nail a 113-102 come-from-behind win against Alaska in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday.

Leading 60-54 at the half, the Road Warriors let the Aces begin the third period on a 21-2 run to take a 75-62 advantage with 6:37 remaining in the quarter. The Aces maintained the 13-point cushion, 81-68, with a little less than five minutes to go in the frame.

NLEX bounced back with a 15-2 run to tie the game, 83-all, before two free throws from R.J. Jazul put Alaska up, 85-83, at the end of the third quarter.

Mark Cardona and Asi Taulava opened the fourth quarter by scoring five unanswered points to put the Road Warriors up, 88-85.

But Chris Banchero and Romeo Travis converted back-to-back jumpers to put the Aces at the helm, 89-88, and it was a seesaw game until the midway point of the payoff period.

NLEX finally pulled away after ending the contest with a 23-10 rally to snap a two-game losing streak.

Kwame Alexander and Michel Madanly each chipped in 28 points for the Road Warriors, while Asi Taulava was the top local scorer with 20.

Travis finished with 31 markers and 12 rebounds for the Aces, who have dropped two of their last three games following a 3-0 start.

Box Scores:

NLEX 113-Alexander 28, Madanly 28, Taulava 20, Cardona 15, Canaleta 6, E. Villanueva 5, Wilson 4, J. Villanueva 4, W. Arboleda 3, Lingganay 0, Borboran 0, Ramos 0

Alaska 102-Travis 31, Baguio 23, BAnchero 14, CAsio 12, JAzul 8, Abueva 6, Manuel 2, Thoss 2, Menk 2, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0, Hontiveros 0

Quarterscores: 31-29, 60-54, 83-85, 113-102