NLEX import KJ McDaniels. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—NLEX brought out the clamps and stopped Rain or Shine, 109-100, in a convincing overtime win in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Road Warriors, who were down by as much as 22 points in the first half, 54-32, completely stifled the Elasto Painters come overtime allowing just one field goal in the extra period.
JR Quiñahan drilled a three-pointer then KJ McDaniels pump faked his way to an open layup tied the game at 97-97 with 4.4 seconds to play in regulation before NLEX.
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It was then a cruise for the Road Warriors as they took a 105-97 lead off of Quiñahan’s floater with 1:39 to play.
Rain or Shine failed to deliver in the extra period, going a dry 1-of-9 from the field.
Compounding the Elasto Painters’ misery in the final minutes was the absence of Henry Walker who fouled out with more than three minutes to play.
“We tried to tweak our matchups towards the end of the regulation and in OT. What also contributed to them missing shots was they were getting tired as we put pressure on them, they were playing so well earlier and it’s a good thing they started missing,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao.
McDaniels had a game-high 35 points with 12 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks to lead theRoad Warriors who won their third straight game for a 7-3 card.
Kevin Alas also finished in double figures as he flirted with a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists while Jericho Cruz and Quiñahan added 13 points apiece.
Walker led the Elasto Painters with 28 points and 13 rebounds while Rey Nambatac added 27 points as they dropped their third straight game en route to a 3-6 record.