NLEX formalized its entry to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals following a 95-85 escape from a desperate Terrafirma side for an immediate bounce-back, Saturday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Road Warriors appeared to be on their way to a comfortable win when they led by as many as 18 early in the fourth, only to find themselves facing a major threat when the Dyip roared back and cut the gap to 89-85 with 1:47 left.
But Cady Lalanne was there to give them some breathing room following a perfect trip to the foul line moments later, and then came star guard Robert Bolick with the dagger to settle the eventual scoreline and seal the victory.
Bolick, with the shot clock winding down, nailed an extremely tough four with 53.8 seconds left, enabling the crew to avert disaster as the crew showed how much they learned from that collapse against San Miguel the last time out.
NLEX improved to 7-2 in the standings and remained at second behind the 7-1 Rain or Shine, and its sights are now set on a Top Four finish.
(C) PBA Images
“It’s good we got through this game. If there’s anything na positive sa larong ‘to, nakapasok na kami,” Uichico said. “Nawala ‘yung pressure nang kaunti.
“Still, hindi lang naman Top Eight ‘yung ano namin. Siyempre, we want to make it to the Top Four. And eventually, the semis,” added the champion mentor, as he’s also eyeing a breakthrough semifinal appearance with the franchise.
Bolick top-scored for the Road Warriors with 20 points as he, too, overcame a tepid start in which he only mustered three points in the first half. He also finished with seven rebounds and six assists, plus three steals.
Bolick scored 13 of his points in the third quarter, as he powered their 34–9 explosion to flip an 11-point deficit to a 70-56 lead at quarter’s end to seize control for good, to the point that they eventually led by as many as 74-56.
L-Jay Gonzales made 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. JB Bahio came through with 16 as well. Lalanne notched a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, as Tony Semerad chipped in 14 before fouling out late.
Semerad’s sixth and last foul came against Maverick Ahanmisi, which led to a three-point play conversion and pulled Terrafirma to within four.
(C) PBA Images
But the Dyip couldn’t come any closer, and their comeback would ultimately fall short, and they went on to absorb their sixth successive defeat, dropping to 3-6.
Ahanmisi led the free-falling unit with 22 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in the loss that wasted a solid start, which allowed them to post a 42-27 lead.
Jerrick Ahanmisi made 13 points and five rebounds, while import Mubashar Ali and the seldom-used Keith Zaldivar added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
“If you look at the standings, they’re at the bottom, we’re at the top. But it doesn’t mean that they won’t play to the best of their abilities when they play anybody. And that’s what happened today,” Uichico reflected.
Both squads will return to action next week as the elimination round nears its end. NLEX is scheduled to play the Elasto Painters on Wednesday, April 29, in a match that could be crucial for the two contenders’ top-seed goals.
Terrafirma, on the other hand, will look to end its struggles against the also-ran Macau next Saturday, May 2. Both matches are to be played at NAS.
The Scores:
NLEX 95 – Bolick 20, Bahio 16, Gonzales 16, Lalanne 15, Semerad 14, Winston 4, Ramirez 4, Racal 3, Rodger 3, Torres 0, Herndon 0.
Terrafirma 85 – Ahanmisi M. 22, Ahanmisi J. 13, Ali 11, Zaldivar 10, Chiu 9, Bravo 9, Paraiso 6, Umali 3, Garcia 2, Hernandez 0, Eriobu 0, Hanapi 0.
Quarterscores: 18-23, 36-47, 70-56, 95-85.
