NLEX regrouped just in time after almost blowing a big lead yesterday to stay unbeaten in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
The Road Warriors needed the clutch shooting of Cliff Hodge in the final minute to hold off the Erase Plantcenta Erasers, 84-75, at Ynares Sports Arena.
With the Erasers moving within 72-74 after trailing by as many as 24, Hodge drilled in a triple from the top of the key with 58 seconds remaining and sent the Road Warriors to their sixth straight victory and a quarterfinal seat.
Hodge wound up with 18 points and nine rebounds as the Road Warriors hardly missed Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang, who are still with the San Sebastian team undergoing training camp in the United States.
“We didn’t handle the pressure very well,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “Hopefully we can learn our lessons from this game.”
Earlier, RnW Pacific Pipes streaked to its fourth straight victory with a 90-87 nipping of the Cagayan Rising Suns.
Rocky Acidre fired 14 of his 21 points in the second half to help the Steelmasters.
The scores:
First Game
RNW PACIFIC PIPES 90—Acidre 21, Rogado 12, Gonzales 10, Ilagan 10, Teng 8, Buensuceso 8, Aguilar 5, Colina 5, Mariano 5, Antonio 4, Sanvictores 2, Bustos 0.
CAGAYAN 87—Arce 27, Dela Cruz 14, Agas 14, Custodio 13, Lapuz 9, Macuha 4, Calabung 4, Chiu 1, Malig-on 1, Castro 0, Lascano 0, Aggarao 0, Tagarda 0.
Quarters: 19-25, 44-41, 68-59, 90-87
Second Game
NLEX 85—Hodge 18, Long 15, Arao 15, Lanete 10, Monfort 9, Marcelo 7, Co 7, Hermida 3, Pascual 1, Ellis 0.
ERASE PLANTCENTA 76—Mangahas 19, Acosta 13, Dizon 13, Stevens 11, Ferreria 8, Gomez 5, Vidal 5, Torres 2, Vijandre 0, Lascunas 0, Flores 0.
Quarters: 26-17, 47-33, 70-53, 85-76