NLEX 1 win away from D-League crown | Inquirer Sports

NLEX 1 win away from D-League crown

By: - Reporter / @jwpayoINQ
/ 12:14 AM February 24, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas teamed up for NLEX’s last 14 points as the Road Warriors survived a hard-fighting Big Chill, 79-75, to move within a win of reclaiming the PBA D-League championship Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alas and Ganuelas knocked in the crucial baskets that kept the Road Warriors afloat after the Superchargers nearly wiped out their 15-point edge, 65-50, in the last seven minutes of Game 1 of the best-of-three Aspirants Cup finals.

“Even with Big Chill’s comeback, my players stayed focused and we stuck to our game plan,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

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The Road Warriors go for the jugular on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m., also at the Big Dome.

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Alas dropped 17 points, including a clutch triple that gave the Road Warriors a 78-70 cushion with 34.3 seconds left.

Ganuelas, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas cadet team just like Alas, also canned four free throws inside the last two minutes to finish with 13 points.

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The Superchargers had threatened within three points, 68-65, in the last four minutes.  For most of the game, though, the Road Warriors looked all set for a stroll as the former champions raced to an 11-4 start and built a 20-8 lead by the end of the first quarter.

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NLEX 79—Alas 17, Ganuelas 13, J. Pascual 11, Adeogun 10, R. Pascual 9, Dela Cruz 6, Dela Rosa 4, Lanete 4, Raymundo 3, Long 2, Hermida 0.

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BIG CHILL 75—Cervantes 17, Heruela 12, Baloria 9, Mirza 9, Brondial 9, Villahermosa 7, Apinan 6, Canlas 3, Maiquez 3, Belleza 0, Santos 0, Lozada 0.

Quarters: 20-8, 41-30, 58-46, 79-75

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NLEX withstands Big Chill on heroics by Alas, Ganuelas

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TAGS: Basketball, Big Chill Superchargers, Kevin Alas, Matt Ganuelas, NLEX Road Warriors, PBA D-League, Sports

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