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| Kiefer Ravena sizzled anew. PBA Media Bureau |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--The last time they played, Alaska fell short of rallying back to steal the win.
This time around, NLEX completed an endgame rally.
The Road Warriors came back from a late deficit to defeat the Aces, 105-99, at the start of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Monday night.
NLEX ended the game on a 13-3 run to take a 1-0 lead in its best-of-three series against Alaska.
The Aces were up, 96-92, with 2:52 remaining in the game.
But a four-point play from Larry Fonacier sparked the crucial 9-0 run that put the Road Warriors ahead, 101-96, with 11 seconds left.
Simon Enciso kept Alaska in the game with a triple with nine seconds to go that cut the lead to two, 101-99, but Kiefer Ravena made two free throws plus a game-saving steal from Enciso to seal the victory.
Ravena finished with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting with one rebound, eight assists, and one steal, while Fonacier added 18 points, nine rebounds, and one assist for NLEX, which can clinch a semifinal spot with a win in Game 2 on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Chris Banchero chipped in 20 markers, five boards, one assist, and four swipes for Alaska.
Box Scores:
NLEX 105-Ravena 25, Fonacier 18, Alas 17, Quiñahan 12, Miranda 10, Baguio 8, Al-Hussaini 4, Taulava 4, Soyud 4, Tiongson 3, Mallari 0, Gotladera 0
Alaska 99-Banchero 20, Abueva 18, Enciso 16, Manuel 13, Thoss 11, Casio 8, Magat 4, Teng 4, Racal 4, Baclao 1, Exciminiano 0, Cruz 0
Quarterscores: 24-22, 50-40, 74-72, 105-99
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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