Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
2018 pba philippine cup qf game 2 – nlex def alaska – kevin alas
2018 pba philippine cup qf game 2 – nlex def alaska – kevin alas

Basketball

NLEX continues to be Alaska’s roadblock, books first-ever trip to the semifinals


History was made on a Wednesday evening, as the NLEX Road Warriors will head into the semifinals for the first time in their four-year existence as they swept the more experienced Alaska Aces, 87-83, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Road Warriors — who have now defeated the Aces six straight times under head coach Yeng Guiao — will face the Magnolia Hotshots in a best-of-seven affair, which will start this Saturday, March 10, still at the Big Dome.

“May bonfire sa NLEX,” quipped Guiao, visibly glad with what his team had done. “We knew before the game that Alaska was going to get back at us a lot harder than in our first game. Our luck held up and the team deserves the credit.

“They really wanted this. They’re very hungry to make the semifinals and make our fans happy, make our supporters happy, our management happy. This bunch of guys were able to at least get to the farthest level that we can get,” the seven-time champion coach added.

Kevin Alas led the Road Warriors with 18 points and nine rebounds. Quiñahan, despite fouling out with 3:20 left, finished with 16 markers. Slotman Michael Miranda made his presence felt as he chipped in 12 points.

NLEX actually melted down in the third canto, when their seven-point lead suddenly became a 61-68 deficit, no thanks to a 20-6 scoring spree by the Milkmen punctuated by Kevin Racal’s trey with 2:54 on the clock.

But the Road Warriors were able to regain the upper hand afterwards, pulling off a 12-3 blitzkrieg — ended by Quiñahan’s three-pointer — in opening the final frame en route to an 80-74 cushion with 5:05 remaining.

#ReadMore  Maverick Ahanmisi irate at Kelly Nabong's shove: 'Who's not gonna get mad?'

The Aces were able to snatch the lead once more, 83-80, mainly behind Calvin Abueva and Ping Exciminiano, with exactly three minutes to go. But that proved to be the final blast that they would provide.

Miranda nailed a triple to tie the match, and made both of his freebies next to put NLEX up again, 85-83, with 2:06 to go. It was then followed up by Alas’ acrobatic lay-up with 1:12 left, enough to send Alaska home empty-handed.

Game One’s hero Kiefer Ravena had 11 points and seven assists for NLEX.

Abueva powered Alaska with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Exciminiano had 12 points and seven boards, while Kevin Racal made 10 markers and nine caroms. Jvee Casio supplied 10 as well, alongside five rebounds and six dimes.

The Scores:

NLEX 87 – Alas 18, Quinahan 16, Miranda 12, Ravena 11, Mallari 8, Fonacier 7, Soyud 5, Tiongson 3, Ighalo 3, Taulava 2, Al-Husaini 2, Gotladera 0

Alaska 83 – Abueva 17, Exciminiano 12, Casio 10, Racal 10, Manuel 9, Banchero 8, Thoss 8, Baclao 4, Enciso 2, Cruz 2, Magat 1, J. Pascual 0, Teng 0

Quarterscores: 24-23, 49-43, 68-71, 87-83.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

Another edition of the Manila Clasico will take place on Christmas Day as the PBA on Monday unveiled the full 2024-25 Commissioner’s Cup schedule....

ADMU

Three more high school students have joined the global community of Jordan Wings scholars who will achieve their dreams of excelling in life by...

Basketball

NLEX has signed NBA veteran Ed Davis as the team’s import for the upcoming 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Standing at 6-foot-9 and bringing over...

Basketball

The Jordan Brand is dedicated to growing the game of basketball and inspiring the next generation. Kiefer Ravena’s first Player Exclusive serves as a...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Rain or Shine bid goodbye to its PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup campaign on Friday night but head coach Yeng Guiao remained...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – TNT took care of business and finished off Rain or Shine, 113-95, to formalize its return to the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals,...

Basketball

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson did everything yet again to tow TNT past Rain or Shine, 81-79, to move one win away from securing a return trip...

Basketball

Aaron Fuller came through in the clutch as Rain or Shine eked out a 110-109 win to avoid falling to a precarious position in...

Advertisement