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BIÑAN — NLEX built an early 19-point lead but still needed to fend off Phoenix in the overtime period to take the 120-115 victory Friday in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Alonte Sports Arena here.
Arnett Moultrie uncorked 37 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists for the Road Warriors, who finally got a breakthrough win in the second conference after dropping their first three outings.
Alex Mallari also came up big in the extra frame, firing five of his 13 points on top of his four assists, while JR Quiñahan had 16 on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from downtown.
NLEX opened OT with a 9-2 run for a 113-106 edge with 3:12 left as it found its stroke from the outside and drained three of its 13 triples in the last five minutes.
“We needed this win badly,” said coach Yeng Guiao. “It’s like we’re starting to learn how to win again. We felt like we forgot how to win.
“We had a good lead almost throughout the game, but we lost it in the last four minutes. Of course, that’s disappointing, but a win is still a win.”
The Road Warriors got their running game in the first half as the lead swelled to as high as 19, 51-32.
Phoenix then rampaged back with Jason Perkins tying the score at 102 in the final 41.3 seconds.
Moultrie reclaimed the lead back for NLEX, 104-102, with a slam in the last 24.8 ticks, but James White cleaned up Perkins’ miss to force overtime with 5.1 seconds remaining.
Moultrie missed his final drive as the game went to overtime.
Matthew Wright led Phoenix with 31 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while James White got 19 points and 11 boards in the loss.
The defeat sent the Fuel Masters to an even 2-2 card.
The Scores:
NLEX 120 — Moultrie 37, Quiñahan 16, Mallari 13, Fonacier 11, Ravena 9, Miranda 8, Baguio 7, Soyud 7, Tiongson 5, Rios 4, Monfort 3, Ighalo 0.
PHOENIX 115 — Wright 31, White 19, Chan 17, Perkins 15, Revilla 9, Jazul 8, Mendoza 8, Kramer 4, Chua 2, Eriobu 2, Alolino 0, Intal 0, Wilson 0.
Quarters: 28-25, 57-43, 78-72, 104-104, 120-115.