PBA: NLEX nips Alaska, breaks 9-game skid

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

After 10 tries, NLEX finally earned its first win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, pulling off a huge upset victory over Alaska, 100-92, Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Road Warriors, who are already eliminated from playoff contention, improved to 1-9 and while the Aces saw their losing streak continue to five games and dropped to 4-5.

A 6-0 run by the Road Warriors, who played the second half of the fourth without import Wayne Chism, gave them the a 92-87 cushion amid the Aces’ repeated to steal the win in the final moments of the game.

“We caught a big fish, Alaska is one of the best teams, they’re a hard team especially with their pieces,” said head coach Guiao, whose team had an overall 13-game skid dating back to the Philippine Cup. “This is a good win for us, and we need situations like this where we can build character.”

“We’re already looking forward to the next conference and we just have to keep gelling and build confidence.”

Things went into seesaw motion in the fourth quarter with both teams exchanging baskets until the 6:19 mark of the period when Wayne Chism’s jumper gave NLEX an 86-82 lead.

That, however, proved to be Chism’s final field goal as he fouled out with 5:20 remaining in the game.

Alaska was able to score five unanswered points to take a 87-86 lead with 3:50 remaining on a layup from Simon Enciso before NLEX took over for good.

Chism had a team-high 22 points to go along six rebounds for NLEX while JR Quiñahan added 16 points, seven boards, four assists, and two blocks off the bench.

Juami Tiongson also had 16 points while Kevin Alas had 11 points to help the Road Warriors.

Cory Jefferson had 36 points and 20 boards to lead the Aces.

The scores:

NLEX 100 – Chism 22, Tiongson 16, Quinahan 16, Alas 11, Al-Hussaini 9, Mallari 7, Monfort 6, Soyud 5, Rios 4, Lastimosa 2, Baracael 2, Ighalo 0, Taulava 0.

ALASKA 92 – Jefferson 36, Manuel 17, Abueva 12, Casio 10, Racal 5, Banchero 3, Thoss 2, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 2, Pascual 1, Cruz 0, Galliguez 0, Hontiveros 0.

Quarterscores: 18-35, 51-48, 76-75, 100-92.