Aaron Fuller exploded for 42 points in an overtime win. PBA Media Group |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--NLEX's push for a spot in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals got a huge boost on Friday night after hacking out a 116-110 win against Alaska at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
After finding their second quarter offensive storm canceled by the Aces' third quarter blast, the Road Warriors eventually found themselves down by just two, 97-99, with nine seconds left in the fourth quarter.
But Aaron Fuller saved them with an equalizing layup with two seconds to go that eventually forced overtime.
After both teams went toe-to-toe in the first four minutes of the extension, JR Quiñahan came alive in the final 56 seconds, burying the go-ahead triple and four straight free throws for NLEX.
Fuller made 42 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block for the Road Warriors, who moved back to .500 at 5-5.
Quiñahan added 15 markers, nine boards, four dimes, and one block.
Mike Harris made 35 points, 26 rebounds, and four blocks for the Aces, who missed out in their first crack at nailing a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round and found themselves tying the Phoenix Fuel Masters for third place at 7-3.
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