NLEX escapes ROS' furious 2nd half to book place in PBA Govs' Cup QFs

Kevin Alas fired 28 points to lead NLEX to a playoff spot. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—NLEX banked on a solid first half to hold off Rain Or Shine, 110-99, in their PBA Governors' Cup game on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Road Warriors outscored the Elasto Painters, 33-13, in the first quarter before extending the lead to 27, 62-35, by halftime.

ROS, however, came alive in the second half and found itself only down by seven, 97-104, with 1:26 remaining.

NLEX, though, finished the game on a 6-2 run to overcome ROS's comeback attempt.

Kevin Alas led the Road Warriors, who have now secured a place in the quarterfinals as they moved up to 6-3 while dropping the Elasto Painters down to ninth place at 2-6, with 28 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal off the bench.

Wayne Selden added 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Don Trollano put up 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

Rey Nambatac made 26 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal for ROS in a game where import Greg Smith sat out the entire second half.

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