Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
The NLEX Road Warriors clinched the last spot in Group B after pulling off a dramatic victory against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on September 22.
DeQuan Jones is the driving force behind the win. He had a monster double-double of 44 points and 10 rebounds all while hitting 4 four point shots. Robert Bolick also provided great support with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Meanwhile, Justin Brownlee did everything for Ginebra. He had 26 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Japeth Aguilar was also a big factor as he registered 22 and 9 while Maverick Ahanmisi, Rj Abarrientos, and Scottie Thompson all chipped in double-digit scoring.
DeQuan Jones Ignites as NLEX Regains Control
NLEX took control early leading by as much as 10 (31-21). But Aguilar and co. turned things around on a 22-8 surge. The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets one after another. The game was hard-fought and physical, and it reached its peak when Anthony Semerad inadvertently struck Japeth Aguilar in the face, resulting in Aguilar losing a tooth.
But it was NLEX who managed to create a slight separation. DeQuan Jones, who had been hampered by early foul trouble, finally found his rhythm. He scored 20 in the quarter alone, including back-to-back four-point shots, to maintain NLEX’s lead.
The action soared further in the fourth as neither team refused to give in. But it was Jones again who rose to the occasion. He scored 9 quick points to put his team up (92-85). Brownlee though, refused to be outdone and scored two consecutive baskets to send it into overtime.
Semerad who was struggling all game, came alive in OT dropping back-to-back threes (98-94). To make it worse for Ginebra, Brownlee suffered cramps and was taken out of the game. Jones and the Road Warriors then took advantage and were able to grind out a win.
The Scores:
- NLEX 103 – DeQuan 44, Bolick 16, Semerad 12, Valdez 8, Policarpio 6, Torres 6, Amer 4, Mocon 3, Rodger 2, Miranda 2
- GINEBRA 99 – Brownlee 26, J.Aguilar 22, Ahanmisi 15, Abarrientos 14, Thompson 12, Holt 7, Pinto 3, Cu 0, Adamos 0, Tenorio 0, R. Aguilar 0
- QUARTERS: 26-21, 39-43, 71-68, 92-92, 103-99
