PBA: NLEX secures playoff spot after turning back Rain or Shine
NLEX star Kevin Alas leads Road Warriors to another win. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–NLEX raced to a 20-point lead in the opening frame and kept control the rest of the way to pull out a 110-99 victory over pesky Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kevin Alas finished with 28 points while import Wayne Selden Jr. tossed in 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Road Warriors clinched a playoff spot.
And they are not stopping there.
“Actually, we’re looking for a spot in the Top 4 and our next game is against Terrafirma. We have to win that game and go up against San Miguel in our last game. So I think if we get one or two, that would be good for us,” said head coach Frankie Lim.
“We’re looking at the Top 4, but we’re also thankful we’re already through the quarters,” added the mentor, who took over Yeng Guiao’s post in the previous conference.
Its import saddled by a hamstring problem, Rain or Shine instead leaned on Rey Nambatac’s 26 points, Gabe Norwood’s 13, and Nick Demusis’ 12. The Painters even threatened to come back late, pulling within 104-97 with 1:26 remaining.
Rain or Shine leaned on Rey Nambatac’s 26 points, Gabe Norwood’s 13, and Nick Demusis’ 12 and even threatened to come back, pulling within 104-97 with 1:26 remaining.
But Alas, high on his first All-Star selection, was simply too much to handle. He unloaded 13 of his total output all in the final frame.
Rain or Shine dropped to 2-6 but is still in the running for a spot in the bottom half of the Top 8. They play Phoenix, then NorthPort, and close out their elimination round against San Miguel Beer.
