PBA: NLEX escapes Converge rally to bolster QF drive

The last-minute switch of import worked wonders for NLEX as the Road Warriors fortified their quarterfinal drive after escaping hungry Converge, 107-103, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NLEX copped back-to-back wins to improve to 4-6 and keep its playoff dreams alive while the FiberXers slipped to their third straight loss for a 1-9 slate. 

Deandre Williams-Baldwin, who was recently tapped to replace Stokley Chafee Jr., made an impressive debut as he dropped a double-double effort of 22 points and 15 rebounds on top of seven assists, three steals, and a block to help NLEX fend off a brave Converge stand. 

Williams-Baldwin's triple late in the fourth quarter sent the Frankie Lim-mentored squad to an important 105-99 lead before his counterpart Jamil Wilson proved to be unstoppable after completing a three-point play chance with 55 seconds left. 

Rookie Richie Rodger, though, came up with a huge jumper for NLEX as reigning Rookie of the Year Justin Arana could have made it a single possession ballgame, but he split his freebies as his Converge continued to trail, 107-103. 

Wilson then took advantage of a missed layup from Rodger, but he also went wide on his triple attempt followed by a turnover from rookie JL Delos Santos as NLEX hung on to bag the crucial victory. 

Robert Bolick also tallied a double-double outing with 15 points and 11 assists while first years Rodger and Enoch Valdez shone with 19 and 14 markers apiece. 

The loss spoiled a 50-point outburst from Converge reinforcement Wilson, who also poured in 14 boards, four dimes, and two blocks. Wilson became the only second Converge import to have a 50-point game after Jamal Franklin churned out 57 and 53 points against Meralco and NLEX, respectively, in the last Governors' Cup.

Scores:

NLEX 107 – Williams-Baldwin 22, Valdez 19, Bolick 15, Anthony 14, Rodger 14, Nermal 12, Miranda 6, Herndon 5, Salado 0, Fajardo 0, Semerad 0.

Converge 103 – Wilson 50, Arana 19, Fornilos 8, Melecio 5, Nieto 5, Stockton 4, Fleming 4, Wong 4, Winston 2, Maagdenberg 2, Ambohot 0, Delos Santos 0, Santos 0.

Quarters: 25-22, 51-43, 80-81, 107-103.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News