What a way for the NLEX Road Warriors to cap off their 2017 Commissioner’s Cup campaign.
Already focused on the 2017 Governor’s Cup, NLEX showed what they can do in the next conference as they edged Matthew Wright and the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 116-114, to end their campaign on a high note, Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“We just wanted to make a good last impression going to the third conference. We’re trying to gain as much confidence,” said a beaming NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao of the impressive victory, which sent their card to 2-9. “That’s the best we can do.”
Alex Mallari top-billed for NLEX with 22 markers on 6-of-11 shooting to go with nine rebounds and five assists. Import Wayne Chism backed him up with 20 markers, 13 boards, five dimes, two steals, and two blocks.
Once down by as deep as 23, 74-51, midway into the third canto, the Fuel Masters rallied back through a wild 24-3 run anchored by Matthew Wright’s offensive exploits to impose a serious threat, 77-75, with 2:27 left in the frame.
NLEX managed to keep Phoenix at bay come the last period, but another hijack attempt took place in the latter moments. Down 111-103, Phoenix inched closer, 112-109, after a John Wilson three-point play with 13.5 ticks left.
But that proved to be the Fuel Masters’ last gasp, as Chism’s and JR Quiñahan’s shots from the foul line widened the gap once more, 116-111, with just three seconds left to play. Wright sank a triple, but the bout has already been decided.
Quiñahan chipped in 14 markers on 5-of-9 shooting for NLEX, while backcourt players Kevin Alas and Carlo Lastimosa each supplied 10 points.
Wright provided a whopping 42 points for Phoenix in a losing effort, which drags the team down to 4-7 and sends their playoff hopes more bleak. The Fil-Canadian rookie shot 60 percent, and collected five rebounds and four dimes.
Jameel McKay produced 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Fuel Masters, an output that could have been more if it weren’t for the sixth foul — an illegal screen — he incurred with 4:33 left to play.
NLEX forced Phoenix to 21 turnovers, which they converted to 31 markers. They also edged their counterparts on rebounds, 52-50.
The Scores:
NLEX (116) – Mallari 22, Chism 20, Quinahan 14, Lastimosa 10, Alas10, Monfort 9, Al-Hussaini 8, Tiingson 7, Rios 6,Gotladera 4, Taulava 2, Baracael 2, Soyud 2.
Phoenix (114) – Wright 42, McKay 16, Jazul 13, Baguio 8, Torres 9, W. Wilson 7, Borboran 6, Alolino 5, J. Wilson 5, Intal 2, Dehesa 2, Kramer 0, Miranda 0.
Quarterscores: 35-22, 59-46, 83-79, 116-114.
