Road Warriors stun Kings

NLEX bounced back from a 94-98 loss to San Miguel Beer and improve their win-loss record to 4-1. #NLEXstunsGinebra

NLEX rallied from a 28-point deficit and stunned Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 113-111, in overtime to cap the Dubai trip of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup in a thrilling fashion at the Coca-Cola Arena Saturday night (Sunday Manila time).

The Road Warriors overcame the absence of import Olu Ashaolu after fouling out late in regulation time as Philip Paniamogan, Kiefer Ravena, Jericho Cruz and Poy Erram delivered big for NLEX to bounce back from a 94-98 loss to San Miguel Beer and improve their win-loss record to 4-1.

Ashaolu had 25 points and seven rebounds before fouling out while Erram contributed 21 markers. Paniamogan was also contributed huge for the Road Warriors with 20 points including six triples.

Ravena had only 13 points including his game-tying three-pointer that sent the game in overtime while dishing out 17 assists. Cruz had five of his 13 points in overtime including a game-winning triple that gave NLEX the lead at 113-111 with 20 seconds left in the game.

La Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar and Stanley Pringle had chances to tie the game but missed their attempts as the Gin Kings absorbed their second straight loss for a 1-2 mark.

“We got lucky. But you get lucky when you work hard, when you don’t give up,” Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao said.

“From the first half I think we were behind 28 points, then losing our import before overtime. It’s one of those games you’ll remember for a long time. It’s also something that is going to change the character of our team,” he added.

It was a tough loss for Ginebra, which erected a 72-44 lead early in the third period but allowed NLEX to come back in the game.

Trailing 107-111, Paniamogan drilled the triple to make it 110-111 and after Justin Brownlee missed in the next play for the Gin Kings, Cruz hit the go-ahead triple off the assist of Ravena, 113-111.

NLEX spoiled the huge game from Brownlee, who finished with 42 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. Pringle and Greg Slaughter contributed 19 apiece.