By Adrian Stewart Co

The NLEX Road Warriors survived a late comeback to secure a 100-97 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2019 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After reaching a deadlock in the opening 12 minutes, NLEX went on a run in the second period behind John Paul Erram, Jericho Cruz, and Juan Miguel Tiongson for a 51-38 halftime lead. Rain or Shine then attempted to rally several times in the second half but NLEX managed to provide an answer on inside hits by Oluseyi Ashaolu to maintain a double-digit edge.
However, with the score narrowed to 96-88, Rain or Shine pulled to within 98-97. Ashaolu then sealed the win with free throws.
Ashaolu finished the game with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists; while Cruz contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists./ASC, WDJ