KJ McDaniels soars for a block against Cameron Forte. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—NLEX picked up a gutsy overtime win over NorthPort, 120-115, for a hot start in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Road Warriors improved to a 2-0 slate to take possession of the top spot while the Batang Pier dropped their second game to remain winless so far.
KJ McDaniels rose up to the occasion for the Road Warriors going 4-of-4 from the field and scoring 11 points in overtime.
FINAL: @ArangkadaNLEX holds off @NorthPortPH in overtime, 120-115. Road Warriors tab their second victory after taking down new-look San Miguel Beer just last Wednesday. | @sonrdINQ #PBA2021 pic.twitter.com/2zG0WwqcF5
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 10, 2021
NLEX, however, nearly failed to extend the game after McDaniels air balled a three-pointer in the final 15 seconds but rookie Calvin Oftana was able to pick off Arwind Santos’ pass allowing Kevin Alas to get to the line for three free throws with 1.2 seconds to play.
Alas, who absorbed contact from Cameron Forte, calmly drained three free throws that pushed the Road Warriors to a 102-102 tie at the end of regulation.
“KJ carried us on his shoulders throughout the fourth and in overtime, Kevin had great composure sinking those three free throws with 1.2 seconds left,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao.
“That’s what you call handling the pressure and Kevin’s a pressure player. He can do that and he delivered those crucial points.”
McDaniels finished with a game-high 40 points with 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks for the Road Warriors while Alas added 21 points, 11 of which came from the free throw line.
Greg Slaughter led the Batang Pier with 22 points and seven rebounds while Forte attacked the glass to the tune of 17 points and 23 boards.