Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
The Road Warriors fended off a series of late scares from TNT in a nail-biting fourth quarter, ultimately hanging on to a 93-90 victory, tying the series at 1 game a piece on September 27.
DeQuan Jones was the undisputed hero for NLEX, leading the charge with a commanding 38-point, 12-rebound performance. Robbie Herndon made a significant impact after seeing action today. He almost secured a double-double with 8 points and 11 rebounds. Robert Bolick was able to shake off a rough start and finished with 16 points and 5 assists.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Shines for TNT
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was so close to putting his team up 2-0 with a monster performance. He dominated both ends of the court, racking up 22 points and 22 rebounds, while also dishing out 5 assists, swiping 4 steals, and getting 2 blocks. Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy stepped up alongside him, each dropping 19 points.
TNT faced a seven-point deficit (66-73) early in the fourth quarter, but quickly mounted a comeback, overtaking NLEX 85-82. However, Jones and co. responded with a quick 10-point run of their own. Bolick converted a three-point play, and Jones sank two free throws, building a 5-point lead at 92-87.
With time winding down, TNT trailed by only four points and had a chance to force overtime. RHJ was fouled by Mocon on a four-point attempt. He made the first two free throws but wasted the third. In a desperate attempt to tie the game, he intentionally missed the final free throw and went for the rebound, but was whistled for a foul allowing NLEX to go away with the win.
The Scores :
- NLEX 93 – Jones 38, Bolick 16, Herndon 8, Amer 6, Valdez 5, Rodger 4, Policarpio 4, Anthony 4, Nermal 3, Mocon 3, Miranda 2, Semerad 0, Nieto 0, Torres 0
- TNT 90 – Hollis-Jefferson 22, Castro 19, Pogoy 19, Nambatac 11, Oftana 9, Aurin 6, Khobuntin 2, Williams 2, Galinato 0, Heruela 0, Reyes 0, Erram
- QUARTERS: 24-21, 40-40, 69-64, 93-90
