NLEX sizzles in Q4 to stun TNT

Jonathon Simmons helped will NLEX to the come-from-behind win against TNT. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—NLEX came alive in the fourth quarter to steal a 110-108 win away from TNT in a PBA Governors' Cup battle pitting erstwhile 2-0 teams on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena.

Down 78-91 after the first three quarters, the Road Warriors zoomed ahead in the fourth quarter and took a 104-98 lead with 3:27 left.

The Tropang Giga got back to their senses later in the fourth and kept the game close, even getting a chance to force overtime after they forced Jonathon Simmons to a tough baseline jumper that only hit the side of the backboard, giving them 5.3 seconds to make the play.

However, RR Pogoy missed a tough layup attempt, and time eventually ran out on them.

Simmons finished with 45 points, 26 in the second half, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals for NLEX, which joined Converge at the top of the team standings at 3-0, with 45 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Sean Anthony added 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal off the bench.

Jalen Hudson led TNT, which fell to 2-1, with 39 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks, while RR Pogoy chipped in 21 points, one rebound, three assists, one steal, and one block.

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