Kevin Alas scores 26 points, helps NLEX hold off Phoenix comeback

October 23 ------ KEVIN Alas proved to be the ace that NLEX badly needed, scoring 26 points off the bench to help pull off an 87-81 win over Phoenix in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Alas buried one crucial shot after another in the endgame to lift the Road Warriors to their second win in three outings, allowing the team to get back on track after a stunning loss to minnow Terrafirma last October 12.

Phoenix suffered second loss in three games. Alas drained a turnaround jumper with 39.1 seconds left to give NLEX some breathing space after Phoenix threatened at 81-83. Before that, Alas also knocked down a four to make it 80-74, dousing a Phoenix rally. “Nag-step up ‘yung defense ng Phoenix. They pressured us a little bit and we couldn’t find a good shot consistently. And the good shots that we were able to generate on offense, we missed. That’s the way the game is, and they have to learn to break the streak,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico. “Kevin made a big shot. He made big stops, which was important for us. We made big stops, that’s why we were able to hang on to this game,” said Uichico.

JB Bahio added 11 points and eight rebounds, and Tony Semerad had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Road Warriors. Robert Bolick also played for the first time since taking a respite after the passing of his father, and chipped in nine points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. Ricci Rivero had 22 points, Jason Perkins added 15 points, and Kai Ballungay had 12 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix, which made a game despite trailing by as many as 20 points, 50-30.

The scores:

NLEX 87 – Alas 26, Bahio 11, Semerad 11, Torres 10, Bolick 9, Fajardo 7, Nieto 7, Ramirez 4, Valdez 2, Rodger 0, Policarpio 0, Mocon 0.

Phoenix 81 – Rivero 22, Perkins 15, Ballungay 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Kwekuteye 6, Caperal 5, Nelle 3, Manganti 2, Escandor 0, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Santos 0.

Quarters: 14-17; 45-30; 70-57; 87-81.

Source: spin.ph