by Jonas Terrado
Games Today (Alonte Sports Arena, Binan)
4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs Columbian
6:45 p.m. – San Miguel vs Rain or Shine
ANTIPOLO CITY – JR Quinahan made up for a near-costly mistake late in regulation by hitting a go-ahead three that gave NLEX a 116-110 overtime victory over Alaska last night, snapping a three-game skid in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center here.
Quinahan’s triple at the top of the key gave the Road Warriors a 112-110 lead with 55.5 seconds left in the extra session before hitting all four of his free throw attempts before the final buzzer to help his team stay inside the quarterfinal race of the season-ending conference.
NLEX improved to an even 5-5 slate and move in solo seventh place at presstime, half-game ahead of eighth-running TNT KaTropa (4-5) and one clear of ninth placer Meralco (4-6).
TNT was playing Magnolia at presstime.
The heroics of the Cebuano veteran came after almost costing NLEX a victory when his pass intended for Larry Fonacier was easily intercepted by Ping Exciminiano with 11 seconds left in the fourth and Alaska holding a 98-97 lead.
But Vic Manuel split his two foul attempts that enabled Road Warriors import Aaron Fuller to bail Quinahan out with a basket underneath for a 99-all with two ticks remaining.
That opened the door for Quinahan to deliver when it mattered, much to the delight of NLEX coach Yeng Guiao.
“I left him on the floor because I knew he will make up for his mistake,” said Guiao. “and he did.”
Fuller delivered 42 points and 22 rebounds in another all-around display while Quinahan posted 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists for NLEX.
Import Mike Harris posted 35 points and 26 rebounds and Manuel added 22 but the Aces dropped to a tie for third place with the Blackwater Elite at 7-3, failing to clinch the first twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
Alaska still has another chance at the quarterfinal bonus tomorrow afternoon when they wrap up the eliminations against NorthPort at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scores:
NLEX 116 – Fuller 42, Quinahan 15, Galanza 8, Ighalo 8, Tallo 7, Baguio 7, Tiongson 3, Soyud 2, Fonacier 2, Taulava 0.
ALASKA 110 – Harris 35, Manuel 22, Casio 16, Enciso 10, Banchero 9, Teng 6, Racal 6, Baclao 4, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 0, Pascual 0.
Quarters: 19-20, 53-43, 77-77, 99-99, 116-110.
