Two 1-1 teams—the NLEX Road Warriors and Phoenix Fuel Masters—faced off against each other on Wednesday PBA action at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with the former smarting from a loss and the latter coming off a win. In the end, the Road Warriors led by Kevin Alas survived, doing just enough to eke out an 87-81 victory over the Fuel Masters to get back to the win column.
What Happened?
After an erratic start to the game, NLEX exploded in the second canto, outscoring Phoenix 31-13 to turn a 17-14 first-quarter deficit into a 45-30 halftime advantage. That 15-point cushion proved to be the difference, as it was enough to fend off the hard-charging Fuel Masters, who twice got to within two of NLEX—76-74 and 83-81—but just couldn’t retake the driver’s seat thanks to Kevin Alas and Anthony Semerad making big baskets down the stretch. Alas hit a four-pointer to make it 80-74, while Semerad fired a trey to give NLEX some breathing room at 83-76.
Who Stood Out?
In Robert Bolick’s return, it was Kevin Alas who truly shined, dropping 26 big points on top of 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals—along with those big fourth-quarter buckets. Aside from that booming four-pointer, Alas also hit a tough jumper to make it 85-81 to fend offPhoenix’s final push. Bolick wasn’t his usual explosive self in his return, but his floor game was on point nonetheless as he put up 9 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals.
For Phoenix, it was Ricci Rivero who kept the fight going as he scattered a career-best 22 points, including two big triples to fuel the Fuel Masters’ fourth-quarter rally. He also had 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block.
3 Keys to the Game
- Second-quarter explosion. NLEX and Phoenix couldn’t buy a bucket in a scattershot first quarter, but the Road Warriors exploded for 31 points in the second canto to build a sizable advantage. That came in handy when Phoenix finally found its rhythm in the second half.
- Kevin Alas. The former Gilas member showed out against Phoenix and showed why he used to don the Tri-Colors of the Philippines. He was the difference-maker all game long, helping NLEX build that big lead in the second half and then closing it out down the stretch with big shots.
- Timely baskets. Phoenix was hot on NLEX’s heels in the endgame, and the Fuel Masters would’ve pulled out the comeback win if not for Kevin Alas and Anthony Semerad making clutch baskets. First, it was Alas’ four-pointer to push NLEX ahead 80-74. Then, it was Semerad’s triple that made it 83-76. Finally, Alas sealed the deal with another jumper.
Next Up for the PBA
The PBA will take the action to the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday with a twin bill featuring the Blackwater Bossing taking on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the first game and the TNT Tropang 5G facing off with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine | TNT vs. Titan Ultra
