The NLEX Road Warriors grabbed a tight 82-81 win after a late-game surge against the Mahindra Enforcers on Wednesday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Enforcers used a sizzling start to the last frame to install a 79-71 lead as they made their first five takes from the three-point territory. However, Henry Walker was on fire, scoring 17 of his 39 points in the pay-off period.
“Our edge is we kept at it. We’ve been in this position for a lot of games this conference,” he said
NLEX showcased a defensive performance, limiting Mahindra to only two points in the last five minutes of the match. A decisive 9-0 run in the final stretch capped by a Walker triple lifted NLEX for good.
On the other hand, KG Canaleta provided the opening punches from downtown. Unfortunately, his team collapsed against offensively against NLEX’s suffocating lockdown. Moreover, James White played a poor outing with 21 markers in 21 attempts.
“I got to give credit to my teammates. They made plays. We couldn’t put the ball in but we relied on our defensive game and we got it done,” Walker added.
White’s free throws, with 1:40 left, trimmed the lead to 82-81. However, after a couple of stops, Mahindra failed to convert a potential game-winner as they were unable to take a shot in the final twelve seconds.
The Road Warriors committed less turnovers, 20-15, that led to more points on their end at 20-5.
Kevin Alas added 13 points, four rebounds and four steals in the win. For Mahindra, Canaleta led their scorers with 23 markers on 5-for-8 shooting from three-point land, together with five boards.
NLEX improve to a .500 slate, improving to a 3-3 record and will next face the Meralco Bolts, next Wednesday at the Big Dome. Meanwhile, Mahindra (4-2), who have now lost two straight games, look to bounce back against the Blackwater Elite on the 21st.
The Scores:
NLEX (82) – Walker 39, Alas 13, Villanueva J. 9, Taulava 8, Villanueva E. 4, Khobuntin 4, Baracael 3, Anthony 2, Monfort 0, Akl 0, Forrester 0, Soyud 0, Arboleda 0.
Mahindra (81) – Canaleta 23, White 21, Digregorio 11, Pinto 7, Elorde 5, Taha 4, Ramos 3, Jamie 3, Aguilar 2, Yee 2, Guinto 0, Ballesteros 0.
Quarterscores: 24-17, 36-30, 60-59, 82-81
