NLEX explodes for 40 in third quarter, survives Terrafirma in endgame

The NLEX Road Warriors detonated for 40 points in the third quarter to overcome the Terrafirma Dyip, 105-102, on Wednesday afternoon in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After trailing by 16, 47-31 at the end of the first half, NLEX stalled Terrafirma to end the third period with a five-point deficit, 76-71.

The Road Warriors made a 7-0 charge early in the fourth period to take their first lead in the game, 78-76. NLEX also made a 6-0 run before the halfway mark of the period to push their lead further, 89-82.

NLEX had its biggest lead at 93-84, at the 5:18 mark of the final canto, before the Dyip cut their deficit to just two with seven ticks left, 103-101. A technical free throw from Juami Tiongson further cut Terrafirma's deficit, before Calvin Oftana's free throws off a Joshua Munzon foul sealed the deal for NLEX.

Kevin Alas proved to be crucial in the comeback as he tallied 24 points and six assists, while Calvin Oftana tallied 20 markers and five boards. Justin Chua registered a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

On the other hand, Tiongson and Aldrech Ramos had 18 points apiece, while Munzon had 15 points.

NLEX will try to notch another win on Friday against the San Miguel Beermen, while Terrafirma will play the NorthPort Batang Pier on Saturday, both games to be played at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The scores:

NLEX 105 – Alas 24, Oftana 20, Quinahan 18, Trollano 15, Chua 13, Rosales 7, Paniamogan 5, Nieto 3, Semerad 0, Miranda 0, Varilla 0, Soyud 0, Ighalo 0.

Terrafirma 102 – Tiongson 18, Ramos 18, Munzon 15, Daquioag 14, Gabayni 12, Cahilig 7, Go 7, Camson 5, Gomez de Liano 4, Balagasay 2, Calvo 0, Enriquez 0, Mina 0.

Quarters: 17-18, 31-47, 71-76, 105-102

—JMB, GMA News