NLEX virtually shut down Rain or Shine in overtime to score a come-from-behind 109-100 victory on Friday in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
Regulation ended at 97-97 and all the Rain or Shine could do was score a measly three points against NLEX, which snatched its seventh win in 10 games and fortify its bid for a twice-to-beat edge in the playoffs.
“We started out badly and we’re giving up offensive rebounds all game long,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao whose wards trained 32-54 at halftime. “That’s as bad as not playing defense actually.”
“Rain or Shine was shooting pretty well,” Guiao added. “They made it difficult for us. But in the end, they got tired over time.”
KJ McDaniels was held to just six points in the first half but dropped a 27-point bomb on Rain or Shine’s stifling defense in the last two quarters and forced the 97-all deadlock with a floater in the last nine seconds of regulation.
It was an all-NLEX show in the extra period with the Road Warriors scattering 12 points to deal their opponents their sixth loss in nine outings.
McDaniels wound up with 35 points with 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks. Kevin Alas had 15 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while JR Quiñahan and Jericho Cruz had 13 points apiece for the Road Warriors.
Import Henry Walker had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Rey Nambatac finished with 27 points for Rain or Shine which lost for the third straight game.