NLEX deals TNT’s first loss in PBA bubble

The NLEX Road Warriors upset TNT Tropang Giga and handed them its first loss, 109-98, in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round on Thursday.

Kiefer Ravena drilled a triple with 35 seconds left in the final period to give them enough room, 104-96. Kevin Alas added three more points before JR Quinahan was called for an unsportsmanlike foul for an encounter with Bobby Ray Parks with 20 ticks to play. Wil Mcaloney’s freebies sealed the deal for the Road Warriors.

Things heated up in the third period after a scuffle almost happened in the 4:54 mark. A flagrant foul was called on Mcaloney while technical fouls were given to NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao and TNT’s Jay Washington after being involved in a verbal altercation.

Alas posted 24 markers, while Jericho Cruz waxed hot with 19 points on 5-of-7 triples

NLEX, 2-5, will play Rain or Shine on Monday, while TNT, 5-1, will go against sister team Meralco on Saturday.

Box scores:

NLEX 109 -- Alas 24, Cruz 19, Ravena 16, Quinahan 8, Miranda 8. Ayonayon 8, A. Semerad 7, Mcaloney 6, Varilla 5, Porter 2, Ighalo 0.

TNT 98 -- Castro 27, Pogoy 16, Parks 15, Rosario 11, Enciso 11, Erram 9, Reyes 7, De Leon 2, D. Semerad 0, Washington 0.

– RC, GMA News