Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The NLEX Road Warriors needed five extra minutes to dispose the Alaska Aces, 99-97, in their season opener on Friday evening at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Sean Anthony scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Road Warriors.
The Aces had four straight attempts to win the game in the dying seconds but missed them all to give Yeng Guiao his first victory as NLEX’s new head coach.
Bradwyn Guinto’s go-ahead bucket tied the game at 88 and drew Vic Manuel’s last personal foul.
Alaska was then called for a shot clock violation in the ensuing play with 2.5 seconds left in regulation.
Carlo Lastimosa had the chance to snatch the win but his shot went too wide.
The Aces missed the services of big men Sonny Thoss and Calvin Abueva.
Guinto and Jonas Villanueva chipped in 17 and 16 points for NLEX respectively.
Rookie Carl Bryan Cruz made a splash in his debut with 20 points for the Aces.
The scores:
NLEX (99) – Anthony 21, Guinto 17, J. Villanueva 16, Lastimosa 15, Alas 6, Soyud 6, Khobuntin 5, Baracael 5, Lanete 3, Rios 3, Taulava 2, Monfort 0, Camson 0, Villanueva E. 0.
Alaska (97) – Cruz 20, Manuel 19, Baclao 12, Jazul 10, Racal 9, Dela Cruz 7, Banchero 5, Casio 5, Hontiveros 5, Magat 3, Mendoza 2, Exciminiano 0. Galliguez 0.
Quarterscores: 28-17, 46-53, 65-67, 99-97.
