PBA: NLEX escapes late Meralco comeback to join long tie at top

Kevin Alas sustained his current brilliance to lead NLEX to the top of the standings. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--NLEX survived a late scare from sister team Meralco to score an 89-85 win in their PBA Philippine Cup clash on Sunday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

Up by eight, 87-79, with four minutes left, the Road Warriors conceded a 6-0 Bolts run that cut the lead down to two, 87-85, with 13 seconds left.

Robert Bolick remained composed despite Meralco's last gasp and sank two free throws off CJ Cansino's quick foul to up the lead back to four with only 12 seconds remaining.

Bong Quinto tried to force overtime, but he missed his four-pointer, and Javee Mocon grabbed the game-saving rebound.

JB Bahio led NLEX, which joined an already long logjam for first place at 3-1, with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Kevin Alas added 12 points, four rebounds, and one steal, while Bolick came close to a triple-double with 11 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds with one steal.

Cansino finished with 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks to lead Meralco, which saw its three-game winning streak snapped and fell to 3-3.

Chris Newsome added 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and one block, while Cliff Hodge put up 14 points, 17 rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals.