The NLEX Road Warriors advanced to the semifinals for the first time in franchise history after sweeping the Alaska Aces, 87-83, in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Kevin Alas led the way for the Road Warriors with 18 points and nine rebounds. JR Quinahan contributed 16 markers and five boards, while Mike Miranda added 12 points including crucial baskets down the stretch.
"We knew before the game that Alaska was going to get back at us a lot harder than in our first game," said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. "Our luck held up and the team deserves the credit. They really wanted this. They're very hungry to make the semifinals and make our fans, supporters, and our management happy."
Alaska surged in the third quarter to head into the final frame with a three-point lead. NLEX, however, managed to limit the Aces to just three points in seven minutes. A Quinahan triple pushed the Road Warriors on top, 80-74, with five minutes remaining on the clock.
A late 9-0 run sparked by Calvin Abueva put Alaska back in the game and ahead by three, 83-80. Miranda knocked down a top of the key three-pointer to stop the bleeding for NLEX. He followed it up with a couple of free throws to put his team back in the driver's seat.
Alaska lost the leather in the next possession and Kevin Alas capitalized on it with a tough conversion underneath to stretch their advantage, 87-83. The Aces could not get anything going in the final minute, with JVee Casio and Abueva missing on their last attempts of saving their conference.
Abueva finished with a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds in the loss. Ping Excimiano was also productive as he went 6-for-8 from the field en route to 12 points, to go with seven boards.
THE SCORES
NLEX 87 - Alas 18, Quinahan 16, Miranda 12, Ravena 11, Mallari 8, Fonacier 7, Soyud 5, Tiongson 3, Ighalo 3, Taulava 2, Al-Husaini 2, Gotladera 0
Alaska 83 - Abueva 17, Excimiano 12, Casio 10, Racal 10, Manuel 9, Banchero 8, Thoss 8, Baclao 4, Enciso 2, Cruz 2, Magat 1, J. Pascual 0, Teng 0
Quarters: 24-23, 49-43, 68-71, 87-83.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
Alaska hasn't won against NLEX in six games or since Guiao took over as head coach.
According to PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon, Alaska will not reach the semifinals in four straight conferences for the first time in 12 years.
NEXT GAME
Game 1 of NLEX vs Magnolia Hotshots on March 10 (Saturday) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum