NLEX douses streaking Alaska, picks up second win in a row

The win almost slipped away from them but the NLEX Road Warriors managed to engineer a 106-89 victory against Alaska in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday in Antipolo City.

NLEX saw its 29-point advantage trimmed to just 13 when the Aces, who were trying to protect a three-game winning streak prior to the match, sizzled for a 16-2 run to open the payoff period, 90-77.

At that juncture, the Aces were hoping to replicate their come-from-behind feat against the Terrafirma Dyip last weekend where they erased a 20-point deficit en route to the 102-97 win.

The Road Warriors, however, made sure it didn't come to that.

They unleashed a 9-2 rampage highlighted by three baskets from deep, two of which came from Jericho Cruz, to regain momentum and their lead at 99-79, with 3:41 left in the game.

Alaska was still able to bring the game to a 16-point affair, 103-87, after a basket by big man Ben Adamos but time and luck weren't on their side this time around as NLEX cruised to its second consecutive wins.

Import KJ McDaniels provided the spark for NLEX, carving out a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds to go along with three assists, three blocks, and a steal as they improved to 6-3.

Alaska, who was playing its third game since their upcoming exit from the league was announced last Wednesday, will drop to 5-3.

NLEX showed no mercy right from the tip-off, erecting a 38-17 cushion in the first quarter with star guard Kevin Alas firing three of his team's seven triples. The wards of head coach Yeng Guiao were then slightly outscored in the second frame, converting only 20 points against NLEX' 25 for a 58-42 lead at halftime.

NLEX' victory also meant it was the first PBA team to cop a win at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City after two years and two months, or since Meralco defeated TNT during the 2019 Governors' Cup, 89-78. — LA, GMA News

The Scores:

NLEX 106 - McDaniel 27, Cruz 21, Alas 19, Trollano 10,Ighalo 6,  Soyud 5, Rosales 5, Nieto 5, Porter 4, Murrel 2, Magat 2,  Varilla 0, Quinahan 0.

Alaska 89 - Tratter 17, Ashaolu 14, Teng 9, Bulanadi 8, Digregorio 7, Racal 7, Faundo 6, Herndon 6,  Ilagan 4, Taha 4, Ahanmisi 3, Adamos 2, Tolomia 2, Stockton 0, Marcelino 0.

Quarters: 38-17, 58-42, 61-88, 106-89.