Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The NLEX Road Warriors got out of their two-game slump with a 113-102 win over the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup on Tuesday (June 2) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Road Warriors got massive contributions from Kwame Alexander, Michael Madanly, and Asi Taulava.
Madanly finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Alexander had 26 points and 11 boards.
Taulava added another double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds.
NLEX was only up by a point late in the fourth quarter before a jumpshot from Alexander and a layup from Enrico Villanueva made it a five-point lead, 99-94.
Alaska import Romeo Travis made a split from the line to trim the deficit to four, but two free throws from Madanly put the Road Warriors up five again, 101-96, with 3:36 left in the game.
The Aces tried to counter but they came up empty on consectuive possessions. A transition layup on the other end from Mark Cardona extended the gap to seven points for NLEX.
Alaska attempted several shots from beyond the arc but they just didn’t fall as the Road Warriors made it an 11-point advantage after a jumper from Madanly, 1:10 remaining.
Triples from Cyrus Baguio and Travis in the ensuing plays cut the lead to seven, but NLEX had enough in its tank to seal the victory.
Travis had 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Baguio chipped in with 23 for the Aces.
The Road Warriors improved to 2-4 in the league standings, while Alaska slid down to 4-2.
The scores:
NLEX 113– Alexander 28, Madanly 28, Taulava 20, Cardona 15, Canaleta 6, E. Villanueva 5, Wilson 4, J. Villanueva 4, W. Arboleda 3, Lingganay 0, Borboran 0, Ramos 0.
Alaska 102 — Travis 31, Baguio 23, Banchero 14, Casio 12, Jazul 8, Abueva 6, Manuel 2, Thoss 2, Menk 2, Dela Cruz 2, Dela Rosa 0, Eximiniano 0, Honrivros 0.
Quarters: 31-29; 60-54; 83-85; 113-102.
