NLEX escapes TNT, ties PBA QF series to 1-1

The NLEX Road Warriors escaped TNT Tropang Giga, 93-90, in Game 2 of the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals to tie the series at 1-1 on Friday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

TNT were trailing 92-88 with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth period but a Javee Mocon foul on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson while he attempted a 4-pointer put the latter to the line. RHJ made the first two freebies, but missed the next two. 

However, RHJ was called for a foul on Javee Mocon after an unsuccessful challenge which brought the Road Warrior to the line and his split sealed the deal for NLEX.

"All I know is it was hard for both teams. They really have to grind for every point, for every possession," NLEX head coach Jong Uichico said.

"Just for us to keep ourselves in the game, the players gave the best they could. They stayed in the game just enough to get this victory."

DeQuan Jones had 38 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, while Robert Bolick had 16 points for NLEX.

RHJ's 22-point, 22-rebound outing went for naught with the TNT loss, while Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy had 19 points apiece.

Scores:

NLEX 93 – Jones 38,  Bolick 16, Herndon 8, Amer 6, Valdez 5, Rodger 4, Policarpio 4, Anthony 4, Nermal 3, Mocon 3, Miranda 2, Semerad 0, Nieto 0, Torres 0.

TNT 90 – Hollis-Jefferson 22, Castro 19, Pogoy 19, Nambatac 11, Oftana 9, Aurin 6, Khobuntin 2, Williams 2, Galinato 0, Heruela 0, Reyes 0, Erram 0.

Quarters:  24-21, 40-40, 69-64, 93-90.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News