MANILA — The NLEX Road Warriors made history twice over, stunning the second-seeded Magnolia Hotshots with a heart-stopping 88-87 victory in Game 1 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It marked the first time NLEX played in a semifinal game in franchise history. It was also the first time that the Road Warriors under coach Yeng Guiao defeated the Hotshots.

Game 2 of their best-of- 7 series is Monday night.

Alex Mallari connived with rookie sensation Kiefer Ravena and veteran guard Cyrus Baguio in leading the sixth-seeded NLEX to the historic victory. Playing against his former team, Mallari drained a cold-blooded three-pointer from the top of the key from a pass by Ravena with 14 seconds remaining to put NLEX on top, 86-84.

Ravena then made a huge defensive rebound followed by two free throws and then a steal to preserve the victory.

Baguio earlier sparkled for the Road Warriors, scoring a team-high 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting along with five rebounds, four steals, and one assist. Mallari finished with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, five boards, and two assists.

Ravena added16 points, 11 in the fourth quarter. His last two points came from the free throw line that gave NLEX an 88-84 lead — enough to prevent the Hotshots from equalizing the score after Paul Lee drilled a three-pointer.

The two teams engaged in a fierce battle from start to finish that was marked by 27 lead changes and 10 deadlocks.

With 1:15 left, Ian Sangalang put Magnolia ahead, 84-83, on a short stab. But that only set the stage for the combined heroics of Mallari and Ravena.

Sangalang led Magnolia with 21 points, nine rebounds, one steal, and one block in 38 minutes. PJ Simon flashed vintage form, adding 20 points, five rebounds, and one assist in less than 21 minutes that all went down the drain.

The game was halted in the fourth period when Hotshots forward Marc Pingris twisted his left knee while driving to the basket, crashing to the floor in anguish. Pingris had to be stretchered off the court and rushed to the nearest hospital.

Game Sunday: San Miguel Beermen vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings (Game 2 of best-of 7 semifinals; SMB leads 1-0).