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NLEX made crucial stops in the endgame to down Mahindra, 82-81, in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Henry Walker unleashed 17 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter but equally important was the Road Warriors’ string of defensive plays inside the last two minutes that propelled them to their second straight win.
“I do credit this win to our defense. We made three good stops in the last two minutes and we were really happy that we followed our defensive schemes,” said NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez.
Kevin Alas made up for a silly turnover with a steal on James White in Mahindra’s final possession to preserve the Road Warriors’ third win in six tries.
“Kevin did a good job on following the instructions on staying with White,” Fernandez said.
“This game is for my players. They’re sticking with each other.”
NLEX closed the game on an 11-2 run as Mahindra was held scoreless in the last one minute and 40 seconds.
Niño Canaleta fired 21 of his 23 points in the second half to pace the Enforcer, who have now lost two in a row after a franchise-best 4-0 start.