Veteran guard Kevin Alas came up with big plays down the stretch while the rest of NLEX endured an explosive performance from Converge import Jamaal Franklin as the Road Warriors edged the FiberXers, 116-112, in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors Cup Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alas poked the ball out of Franklin's, forcing the reinforcement to lose control of the leather that bounced off his foot before going out of bounds, creating a turnover for Converge.
In the next play, Alas showed nerves of steel by sinking a dagger three-point shot that gave the Road Warriors some breathing room, 113-109, with still 38 seconds left.
Franklin, who exploded for 57 points, hit a three-point shot to shove his team within striking distance and the FiberXers were forced to give up a foul in the next play to stop the clock.
Alas, a PBA All-Star, sank two pressure-packed free throws, then the Road Warriors defended a three-point shot by Franklin, who had to take a tough one against Anthony Semerad.
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Wayne Selden secured the rebound and was fouled in the process, splitting his charity shots, for the final tally.
A joyous Selden was seen cherishing his first victory in the PBA while an exhausted Franklin could not his frustration after being unable to lead his team to victory despite an explosive show.
Following its latest win, NLEX moved up to third place with a 5-2 record, the same slate carried by its victim.
Head coach Frankie Lim heaped praises on Alas and his import, Selden, for getting the job done.
"It's hard to win when you don't have a complete line-up and it would affect your rotation," said NLEX coach Frankie Lim. "I have to commend Wayne. He played without relief and I could see that he was even limping."
"He did a great job, even on defense. I have to ask him to defend Franklin in the end. But Kevin played a great game. It's good that we have a guy like him on the team."
The Scores:
NLEX 116 – Selden Jr. 35, Alas 31, Rosales 17, Semerad 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 10, Doliguez 3, Gabo 2, Trollano 2, Paniamogan 0, Pascual 0
CONVERGE 112 – Franklin 53, Ahanmisi 22, Racal 10, Arana 8, Teng 7, Tratter 5, Ebona 4, Stockton 2, Balanza 1, Murrell 0
QUARTERS: 23-28, 48-52, 80-80, 116-112
