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Phoenix scraped past NLEX, 95-91, in overtime on Friday night to strengthen its bid for a spot in the playoffs in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Veteran center Asi Taulava gave the Road Warriors a small glimpse of life when he cut the Fuel Masters’ lead to two, 91-89, with 36.3 seconds left in the game.
NLEX guard Kevin Alas, however, was called for a foul on Mark Borboran and the Phoenix wingman gladly sank the free throws giving the Fuel Masters a 93-89 buffer with 18.1 seconds left as the Fuel Masters upped their record to 3-4.
“This is how hard we have to earn our victories in this league,” said Phoenix head coach Ariel Vanguardia. “Every game will be like this, every team can beat any team any given day.”
NLEX import Henry Walker covered up Alas’ mistake with a layup at the 10.5-second mark cutting the Phoenix lead to 93-91 but he threw the ball away earning him a technical.
Phoenix improved to 3-4 to climb to seventh place.
Eugene Phelps led Phoenix with an astounding 29-point, 26-rebound night.
Walker had 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Road Warriors, who slipped to 3-5.