By Jay R. Gotera
MANILA — The NLEX Road Warriors squandered a third-quarter double-digit lead but came back strong in the endgame to nip the Mahindra Enforcers, 82-81, in the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday night.
Import Henry Walker nailed NLEX's go-ahead basket, finishing the game with 39 points, 17 of them in the final quarter.
NLEX thus posted its second straight win and improved to an even 3-3 win-loss record.
Conversely, Mahindra absorbed its second straight loss and dropped to a 4-2 card, still good for a tie with Barangay Ginebra at third to fourth spot in the standings. The undefeated TNT KaTropa (5-0) remains at the top of the standing followed by San Miguel Beer (4-1).
Kevin Alas added 13 points for NLEX.
KG Canaleta led the Enforcers with 23 points. He had at least two chances to bail out his team, but he committed a turnover and missed a jumper in two possessions that led to Mahindra’s narrow defeat.
Import James White added 21 markers for Mahindra.
A flurry of shots from Canaleta gave Mahindra an eight-point lead, 79-71, in the fourth quarter.
But Walker drilled eight points as part of a scorching 11-0 NLEX run as the Road Warriors regained the lead, 82-79, with just two minutes left.
White converted on two free throws to cut NLEX’s lead to a point. After a defensive stop, Canaleta had two chances to regain the lead but both attempts were off.
After another defensive stop, Mahindra had another chance to steal the game. But White lost the ball to Alas as he tried to do a crossover move going to the basket as the final buzzer sounded.
Meralco 105 Blackwater 90
The Meralco Bolts defeated the severely undermanned Blackwater Elite, 105-90, to notch their fourth win in seven outings.
Allen Durham paced the Bolts with 30 points, 16 boards and seven assists. Jared Dillinger added 16 markers while Bryan Faundo and Cliff Hodge chipped in with 10 points apiece.
The Elite played minus three key players, including their import Eric Dawson who is down with back spasms. Two other starters joined him in the injury list—Mike Cortez (strained calf) and JP Erram (ACL injury). Last month, their big man Gilbert Bulawan suffered a fatal heart attack during team practice.
Despite the tall odds, the Elite fought gallantly, with rookie Art Dela Cruz showing the way, leading his team with 23 points. Carlo Lastimosa and Rheil Cervantes added 16 and 10 markers apiece.
Their fifth loss in six games sent the Elite crashing to the bottom of the standings.
Games Friday: TNT KaTropa (5-0) vs. Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters (2-3) and GlobalPort Batang Pier (1-4) vs. San Miguel Beermen (4-1).
