NLEX survives Phoenix, 123-116

NLEX survived the explosion of Eugene Phelps to overcome Phoenix Pulse, 123-116, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Kiefer Ravena returned from an 18-month ban to deliver 20 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Olu Ashaolu posted 29 points and 11 rebounds and six assists while shooting 10 of 14 from the field.

Phelps led the way for the Fuel Masters with 38 points and 10 rebounds while Matthew Wright added 24 points with nine asissts and three steals.

“It’s a grind-out game for us, but we expected something like this,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao, whose wards played well despite the absence of Poy Erram.