NLEX misses out on Super 8 final, falls short against Guangzhou
MACAU—NLEX’s fell short in the most crucial of times as it fizzled out against Guangzhou, 75-63, Saturday and failed to move on to the final of the Asia League Super 8 at Macau East Asian Games Dome here.
The Road Warriors were down 46-34 at the half but put on an inspired third quarter run and outscored the Long Lions, 16-8, to close the gap to just four, 54-50, at the start of the fourth.
Article continues after this advertisementGuangzhou, however, managed to pull away midway through the fourth quarter going on a 15-5 run for 73-59 edge after Ju Mingxin’s layup with 2:04 left in the game.
Shirelijian Muxtar then hit a dagger of a fallaway jumper with 1:21 left.
Muxtar had a game-high 21 points to lead the Long Lions while Zheng Zhun added 15 points.
Article continues after this advertisementJu flirted had 14 points with six rebounds while Guo Kai flirted with a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Mark Tallo put up 16 points to pace NLEX while Kenneth Ighalo hustled his way to six points and 11 rebounds.