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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider NLEX rides strong start to dismantle Rain or Shine for quarters berth

NLEX rides strong start to dismantle Rain or Shine for quarters berth

Published Feb 25, 2023 10:16 pm

NLEX saw little roadblocks on its way to a quarterfinals seat this time around.

Kevin Alas dazzles in NLEX's masterful performance over Rain or Shine (PBA Images)

The Road Warriors raced to a blistering start before shrugging off a late fightback from the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters en route to a 110-99 victory in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Kevin Alas steered NLEX home with his all-game long brilliance of 28 points while Wayne Selden Jr. chipped in 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Don Trollano continued to display his fine form with 20 points to help the Road Warriors improve to a 6-3 record and formally secure a quarterfinals berth after getting denied the last time following a loss to Meralco.

NLEX came off the gates firing on all cylinders with a 10-0 opening run before sustaining it the rest of the first half where it built a lead that went as many as 29 points, 46-17, with Alas scattering 10 points in the second frame.

Rain or Shine, though, refused to go down without a fight as Rey Nambatac spearheaded a huge third-quarter flurry that cut the lead down to a 80-66 heading into the final frame.

NLEX looked poised to cruise to a victory after keeping Rain or Shine at bay for the most parts of the final frame and establishing a 20-point lead, 102-82, with less than five minutes remaining.

But the Elasto Painters showed signs of life as they uncorked a 15-2 run behind Nambatac and Nick Demusis to come within 104-97.

However, it proved to be Rain or Shine's last stand as Alas and Selden quickly retaliated with the insurance baskets in the final minute.

Nambatac carried the scoring cudgels for the Elasto Painters with 26 points – making up for the measly three points from import Greg Smith who only played for 15 minutes in the loss that pushed ROS down to 2-6 record in the standings.

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NLEX Rain or Shine 2023 PBA governors' cup
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