Cubao, Quezon City – The NLEX Road Warriors finally won a game in the 2017 PBA Commissioners’ Cup with the Alaska Aces serving as the sacrificial lamb, 100-92, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces came off on a hot start in the first quarter with Cory Joseph and Jvee Casio combining for 24 of their team’s total of 35 points to lead by 17 heading into the second quarter.
NLEX stepped up on defense in the second period to limit their opponent to score only 13 points and commit ten turnovers. Alaska trailed by only 3 points coming in the third quarter.
With the lead trimmed down to only a point over into the final period, NLEX’ defense it helped seal the game against Alaska by limiting them to score only 14 points in the fourth.
Wayne Chism led NLEX in scoring with 22 points and six boards but it was point guard Miguel Tiongson that opened up Alaska with 16 points, five boards, and four dimes. Newly acquired player JR Quinahan had a notable night with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
In a losing effort, Cory Jefferson posted monster numbers with 36 points, twenty boards and three blocks for the Aces.
It was NLEX first win in the PBA since January 9 against TNT KaTropa in Pampanga City and they look to end their Commissioners’ Cup campaign on a high note when they face the Phoenix Petroleum Fuelmasters on Saturday, May 27 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. On the same day, Alaska will have a hard task bouncing back as they battle the San Miguel Beermen.
The scores:
NLEX (100) – Chism 22, Tiongson 16, Quinahan 16, Alas 11, Al-Hussaini 9, Mallari 7, Monfort 6, Soyud 5, Rios 4, Lastimosa 2, Baracael 2, Ighalo 0, Taulava 0.
ALASKA (92) – Jefferson 36, Manuel 17, Abueva 12, Casio 10, Racal 5, Banchero 3, Thoss 2, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 2, Pascual 1, Cruz 0, Galliguez 0, Hontiveros 0.
Quarterscores: 18-35, 51-48, 76-75, 100-92.