The NLEX Road Warriors moved one step closer to the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, as they sent the Alaska Aces to their third straight defeat, 116-100, Friday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Road Warriors improved their record to 5-5, and will have a chance to formalize their entry into the quarters with a victory versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on November 3 – the final day of the eliminations.
“We just fought hard,” said head coach Yeng Guiao.
Import Aaron Fuller beasted his way to 42 points on 18-of-36 shooting along with 22 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block against three turnovers and three personal fouls, to set the pace for the Road Warriors.
Fuller was also the one who sent the match into OT by making an under-basket stab with 2.7 seconds left in regulation, which was a perfect response for NLEX after blowing a 14-point lead and going down 10 in the fourth.
The Road Warriors already had a 70-56 cushion with four minutes left in the third, but the Aces easily wiped it out. From a 77-80 deficit early in the fourth, Alaska made a 17-4 blitz to build a 94-84 lead with 5:40 on the clock.
“Aaron Fuller carried us on his shoulders tonight,” lauded Guiao.
Quiñahan and Fuller connived in the extra period as they were the only Road Warriors who delivered the scoring. The veteran Quiñahan produced 10 of his output in the said chapter, while Fuller chimed in seven markers.
JR Quiñahan flirted with a double-double of 15 points and nine rebounds.
“We lost a good lead in the fourth quarter. It’s really difficult for us to break their press and we committed turnovers, but the good thing is we fought back, we showed good character, and we played good defense,” Guiao said.
Michael Miranda and Philip Paniamogan supplied 10 markers each in the win.
Import Mike Harris led Alaska with 35 points and 26 rebounds. Vic Manuel made 22 points and six caroms, while Jvee Casio supplied 16 points and six assists. Simon Enciso chipped in 10 markers on 3-of-11 shooting.
Alaska – who now share the second spot with the Phoenix Fuel Masters as they both sport a 7-3 win-loss card – will battle the also-ran NorthPort Batang Pier next on Sunday, October 28, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
NLEX 116 – Fuller 42, Quinahan 15, Galanza 8, Ighalo 8, Tallo 7, Baguio 7, Tiongson 3, Soyud 2, Fonacier 2, Taulava 0.
Alaska 110 – Harris 35, Manuel 22, Casio 16, Enciso 10, Banchero 9, Teng 6, Racal 6, Baclao 4, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 0, Pascual 0.
Quarterscores: 19-20, 53-43, 77-77, 99-99, 116-110.
