By Adrian Stewart Co
NLEX Road Warriors battled back from 22 points down to defeat Rain or Shine (ROS) Elasto Painters in overtime, 109-100, in the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup yesterday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Down by as much as 22 points, the Road Warriors leaned on KJ McDaniels, Kevin Alas and Ilonggo Jericho Cruz in the second half to force an overtime at 97-all.
The Road Warriors opened the extension with eight straight points – four from JR Quiñahan and two each from Alas and Cruz – to build a 105-97 advantage.
The Painters pulled to within 100-105 on a triple by Rey Nambatac but two free throws by Celedonio Trollano and a layup by Alas completed Road Warriors’ come-from-behind win.
McDaniels finished the match with double-double 35 points and 13 rebounds, while Alas had a near triple-double 15 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for NLEX.
Cruz and Quiñahan chipped in 13 markers apiece for the Road Warriors, which notched its third straight victory for 7-3 win-loss slate at second place in the standings.
“In the first half, we do not have answers for Rain or Shine’s energy. Medyo napagod siguro sila nung second half kaya nakahabol kami,” said Road Warriors mentor Yeng Guiao.
Henry Walker had double-double 28 points and 13 rebounds, while Nambatac and Jayvee Mocon added 27 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Painters./ASC, WDJ