By Ivan Saldajeno
MANDALUYONG--NLEX built enough cushion in the end to hold off Ginebra in overtime, 103-99, in their PBA Governors' Cup clash on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
DeQuan Jones hit a huge three while Richie Rodgers scored on a clutch layup to give the Road Warriors a two-possession lead, 103-97, with 55 seconds left in the extension.
Stephen Holt kept the Gin Kings in the game with a putback off a Scottie Thompson missed four-pointer, while their teammates played great defense that forced Javee Mocon to miss a jumper.
However, RJ Abarrientos also missed a four-pointer that could have forced another overtime, and Rodgers grabbed the game-sealing rebound.
DeQuan Jones led NLEX, which clinched the last spot in the quarterfinals, with 44 points, 10 rebounds, and one block.
Robert Bolick added 16 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists as the team gears up for a quarterfinal showdown against TNT.
Justin Brownlee scored 26 points with 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks for Ginebra, which fell to the third seed in Group B with Meralco awaiting them next.
Japeth Aguilar added 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.
The outcome eliminated Blackwater from playoff contention and handed Rain Or Shine the top seed in Group B, making their Monday night game a no-bearing game.
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