NLEX guard Kirk Long launches a jumper against the defense of JRU-Air21’s Rocky Acidre. August dela Cruz
Ronald Pascual and RR Garcia came through in the clutch as NLEX arrested a second-half meltdown to escape Jose Rizal University-Air21, 91-87, and grab the solo lead in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena.
Pascual completed a three-point play with 10.7 seconds left to put the Road Warriors back up again, 89-87, after the defending champions blew a 20-point advantage, 39-19, in the first half.
Garcia also knocked in a huge three-pointer that pushed the Road Warriors within a point, 86-87, and later sealed the game with two free throws with 4.9 ticks remaining.
“It’s my fault had we lost,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez, whose Road Warriors stretched their unbeaten run to three games. “I tried to give everybody playing time and somehow it messed up our chemistry.”
In the second match, Blackwater Sports picked up its first win in two games with an 84-60 crushing of winless Boracay Rum.
Kevin Ferrer unloaded 17 points for the Elite, who built a wide 48-25 spread by halftime.
Jake Pascual paced the Road Warriors with 17 markers and Ian Sangalang, who fired 15 points, also had a key steal off JRU’s errant inbound that paved the way for Ronald Pascual’s pivotal three-point play.
The Bombers dropped to 0-2 while the Waves fell to 0-4.
The scores:
First Game
NLEX 91—J. Pascual 17, Sangalang 15, Garcia 10, R. Pacual 9, Lanete 9, Alas 8, Camson 7, Salva 6, Long 4, Sumalinog 4, Hermida 2, Amer 0, Ganuelas 0.
JRU-AIR21 87—Acidre 21, Mirza 19, Maiquez 14, Ighalo 11, Pinto 8, Miranda 6, Caperal 4, Villarias 2, Apinan 2, Lopez 0, Almario 0.
Quarters: 26-17, 45-33, 67-63, 91-87
Second Game
BLACKWATER SPORTS 84—Ferrer 17, Chua 12, Mazo 12, Fortuna 9, Celiz 8, Llagas 6, Ciriacruz 6, Bagatsing 5, Ciriacruz I. 4, Mangahas 3, Andul 2, Lo 0.
BORACAY RUM 60—Taha 16, Bandaying 11, Acibar 9, Santos 7, Ilagan 7, Siruma 4, Rosopa 2, Cabrera 2, Sabellina 2, Tolentino 0, Viernes 0, Eguilos 0, Foronda 0.
Quarters: 20-15, 48-25, 65-36, 84-60