NLEX ruins return of Romeo, Pringle to GlobalPort

NLEX withstood GlobalPort’s comeback to win, 110-105, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Al Thornton had 33 points, 19 rebounds and six assists while Sean Anthony collected 21 points, six rebounds and three steals off the bench for the Road Warriors, who joined three other teams in a tie in fourth place.

The Road Warriors’ victory also ruined the return of Batang Pier’s star duo of Terrence Romeo (calf) and Stanley Pringle (ankle) from injury.

Romeo picked up where he left off with 27 points on 8-of-13 shooting from long range while Pringle announced his comeback with 11 points and seven assists.

But not even having a healthy roster could stop the bleeding as GlobalPort reeled to its sixth straight loss for a lowly 2-7 card.

Down by as much as 18 late in the opening period, GlobalPort knotted the count at 95 midway through the fourth quarter and was still very much in it after a 3-pointer by Romeo pulled his team to within three, 108-105, with 10.2 ticks left.

In need of a closer, NLEX turned to Anthony, who delivered with the game-sealing free throws in the final 4.8 seconds remaining.

NLEX rose to 5-4, creating a four-way logjam with Ginebra, Rain or Shine and TNT in a tight battle in the standings.