NLEX was fortunate enough to hack out a 102-100 win over TNT in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup, Wednesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Road Warriors committed three turnovers in the final seconds that could’ve cost them the match, but Lady Luck was on their side as the Tropang Giga ultimately missed the potential game-winner as time expired.
“Our turnovers almost killed us in the endgame,” lamented head coach Yeng Guiao. “We’re just happy we survived those turnovers.”
KJ McDaniels was extra motivated versus his former team as he finished with 33 points and eight rebounds to lead NLEX to its third successive win in as many games for sole leadership of the team standings.
The American cager had 11 in the opening frame, where they began to seize control and eventually lead by as much as 11 in the following period.
But then, TNT didn’t just yield. The Tropa, little by little, chopped the deficit and kept close. Then came the furious fightback in the endgame.
Just as when Calvin Oftana had his moment as he pushed the Road Warriors’ lead to four with 1:08 remaining, Don Trollano gave the opposition an easy possession as he failed to catch the inbound of the rookie.
That then paved the way for Kelly Williams’ booming three-pointer to cut the deficit to just a solitary point, 100-101, with 41.2 seconds to go.
The former Most Valuable Player came up with another big play moments later. He stripped the ball away from McDaniels from near-midcourt, and then raced down the court in an attempt to punch the go-ahead bucket.
Kevin Alas, though, timed and rejected his shot. McDaniels then made up for that error, saving the ball from sailing outside by throwing it to Anthony Semerad, who was fouled quickly by Mikey Williams, 28.4 on the clock.
Unfortunately, NLEX wasn’t able to take care of the possession. Kris Rosales failed to catch Trollano’s pass, giving TNT another chance.
Luckily for Guiao’s wards, import McKenzie Moore was caught stepping on the line upon receiving the sideline inbound with 14.5 ticks left.
Trollano split his shots from the foul line to make it a two-point lead with 10.1 ticks left. The Tropa tried to win it on the other end, but the final horn sounded the very moment Roger Pogoy caught the ball from the outside.
“You won’t survive many turnovers like that and still win a game. Breaks lang,” Guiao said. “But it’s also a good exercise for us playing a championship team, playing them all the way sa endgame and coming out winning.”
Trollano and JR Quinahan finished with 15 points each. Kevin Alas had 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists as Oftana added 10 in the win.
NLEX will shoot for its fourth consecutive win when it takes on the Terrafirma Dyip (1-2) on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Williams led the debuting TNT with 16 points and six rebounds in the defeat. Moore added 15 markers, 14 boards, and nine dimes.
The Tropang Giga will have a shot to bounce back against the 2-1 Alaska on Friday at 3:00 p.m. as well.
The Scores:
NLEX 102 – McDaniels 33, Trollano 15, Quiñahan 15, Alas 11, Oftana 10, Semerad 8, Cruz 8, Ighalo 2, Rosales 0, Paniamogan 0.
TNT 100 – K. Williams 16, Moore 15, Banal 14, M. Williams 12, Pogoy 11, Erram 11, Khobuntin 9, Castro 9, Reyes 3, Heruela 0, Marcelo 0.
Quarterscores: 29-21, 51-46, 76-70, 102-100.
