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[av_heading heading=’NLEX scrapes past Aces, 99-97, in PH Cup OT ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The NLEX Road Warriors were off to a fiery start under new head coach Yeng Guiao as it scored a 99-97 overtime win over the Alaska Aces in the 2016-2017 Oppo PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Sean Anthony led the way with double-double 21 points and 14 rebounds for the Road Warriors, which created a five-way tie for the top spot with the San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Blackwater Elite, and GlobalPort Batang Pier at 1-0 each.
Bradwyn Guinto chipped in 17 markers, while Jonas Villanueva and Carlo Lastimosa contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the Road Warriors, which is expecting a better tournament finish under Guiao.
Trailing by as much as 12 points, 62-50, in the third canto, the Road Warriors went on a 14-2 run behind Negrense Raul Soyud and Marnel Baracael to tie the score at 64-all. The Aces, however, was able to regain a 67-65 lead on freebies by Marion Magat
The Road Warriors continued its run in the final frame behind Anthony to build a 78-72 lead. But the Aces responded with its own rally to snatch an 83-81 edge. After an exchange of hits, the Road Warriors forced overtime on a basket by Anthony.
The Road Warriors quickly surged to a 94-90 lead in the extension period behind Guinto but the Aces were able to keep it close at 98-97 on a triple by Chris Banchero. After a split from the line by Lastimosa, the Aces failed to tie it after missing from close range.
“Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good,” said Guiao. “We’re lucky that they missed four shots from close range in the endgame from close range and we’re lucky that Calvin Abueva did not play.”
Rookie Carl Bryan Cruz debuted with double-double 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Vic Manuel added 19 markers for the Aces, which opted to rest injured main man Calvin Abueva in the game./PN
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