PBA: NLEX withstands Nuni Omot takeover bid to nip Magnolia, go 2-0

Cady Lalanne paced NLEX's fluid offense against Magnolia. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--NLEX held on despite Nuni Omot putting up a late fight for Magnolia for a 112-105 win in their PBA Commissioner's Cup duel on Sunday night at the Ynares Center 2 in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Omot willed the Hotshots within the last seven minutes, scoring nine straight points that kept their deficit against the Road Warriors to a one-possession game.

However, back-to-back shots from Cady Lalanne brought NLEX's lead back to eight points, 108-100, with 2:04 to go.

Rome Dela Rosa tried to keep Magnolia in the game with a corner three with 1:48 to go, but he missed another triple in his next chance.

Schonny Winston iced the game for the Road Warriors with a trey of his own with 47 seconds remaining.

Lalanne led NLEX's balanced attack that saw seven players score in double figures with 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and one steal.

Winston, Robert Bolick, and JB Bahio each added 14 markers as their team is now at 2-0, tying surprise joint leaders Terrafirma and Phoenix.

Omot finished with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Jerom Lastimosa added 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, two rebounds, four assists, and two steals for Magnolia, which fell to 0-2.

Zav Lucero chipped in 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal.