Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24) — The NLEX Road Warriors finally chalked up their first victory in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after repulsing the Alaska Aces, 100-92, on Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Import Wayne Chism scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Road Warriors.
The Aces had a strong opening performance with a 20-point edge at one point in the first period.
But NLEX was able to adjust and stage a comeback to grab the driver’s seat heading into the halftime break, 51-48.
With Chism fouling out at midway in the final quarter, local players Kevin Alas and Rabeh Al-Hussaini provided the push for the Road Warriors down the stretch.
Juami Tiongson was also remarkable for NLEX as he contributed 16 points and five rebounds for the Road Warriors who snapped a 13-game losing skid.
Cory Jefferson paced Alaska with 36 points and 20 rebounds.
The Aces’ woes continue to pile on as they succumbed to their fifth straight setback in the conference.
NLEX will next face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on May 27 (Saturday) at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The scores:
NLEX (100) – Chism 22, Tiongson 16, Quinahan 16, Alas 11, Al-Hussaini 9, Mallari 7, Monfort 6, Soyud 5, Rios 4, Lastimosa 2, Baracael 2, Ighalo 0, Taulava 0.
ALASKA (92) – Jefferson 36, Manuel 17, Abueva 12, Casio 10, Racal 5, Banchero 3, Thoss 2, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 2, Pascual 1, Cruz 0, Galliguez 0, Hontiveros 0.
Quarterscores: 18-35, 51-48, 76-75, 100-92.
