NLEX submitted its best showing when it mattered the most.
THE Road Warriors erased a 21-point deficit and then exploded in the fourth to wallop the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 111-99, for a vital win in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City yesterday.
Henry Walker was again the catalyst for NLEX, scoring a game-high 23 points along with 12 rebounds for a double-double but this time, he got more help from his teammates.
Rookie Garvo Lanete connected on six triples to finish with a career-high 21 points while Enrico Villanueva turned back the clock by contributing 14 points. Sean Anthony scored 10 of his 12 points in the final period as the other Road Warriors stepped up to help Walker.
NLEX exploded 40 points in the payoff period and dominated to post the sudden rout over Rain or Shine, which scored 24 in the fourth after leading for most part of the game.
“This game was really for my players. They didn’t give up. I’m happy they didn’t give up,” said a jubilant NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
“We didn’t give up even if the deficit reached 20. We came back strong in the second half,” said Lanete, whose last two triples came in the final three minutes to serve as the dagger for NLEX.
“We really needed that. We really needed the win,” added Lanete.
As a result, the two teams are now tied in the standings with similar 4-5 records.
They share the No.7 and No.8 spots and both need to finish strong to finish in the top eight and enter the quarterfinals.
Rain or Shine played superb early in the game posting a huge 18-point lead, 30-12, at the end of the first period.
Midway in the second, the Elasto Painters even led by 21 points, 48-27.
But NLEX wasn’t discouraged and gallantly fought its way back.
The Road Warriors trimmed their deficit to a manageable 10 points, 42-52, at the half.
With momentum on their side, they managed to tie the game in the third quarter, 69-all, before Rain or Shine grabbed back the lead, 75-71, entering the final frame.
However, NLEX, led by Walker, Lanete, Villanueva and Anthony, completely dominated the fourth to complete its amazing comeback victory.
Meanwhile, the Meralco Bolts (5-4) are also in a crucial game against the woeful Star Hotshots (1-7) as of this report.
The Bolts need to notch a victory if they want to keep fifth spot.
The scores:
NLEX ROAD WARRIORS 111 – Henry Walker 23, Garvo Lanete 21, Enrico Villanueva 14, Sean Anthony 12, Glenn Khobuntin 10, Kevin Alas 8, Jonas Villanueva 7, Asi Taulava 6, Harold Arboleda 5, Mac Baracael 5, Emman Monfort 0, Rodrigue Akl 0.
RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS 99 – Paul Lee 23, Jeff Chan 18, Jericho Cruz 16, JR Quiñahan 11, Maverick Ahanmisi 8, Jason Forte 7, Gabe Norwood 6, Josan Nimes 3, Beau Belga 3, Raymond Almazan 2, Don Trollano 2.
Quarter scores: 12-30, 42-52, 71-75, 111-99.