Alas, Ravena combine for 48 as NLEX downs Blackwater for q'finals berth

Kevin Alas came off the bench for 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists as the NLEX Road Warriors avoided overtime to earn a 93-90 victory over the Blackwater Elite on Sunday.

Kiefer Ravena also added 23 points, as the Road Warriors earned a quarterfinals berth.

Mike Digregorio connected on a triple off an Allein Maliksi find to cut NLEX’s lead to just three heading into the final minutes, 92-89. Kiefer Ravena, however, earned a trip to the line for a split to make it a two possession game.

Off a timeout, Maliksi went for a triple but failed to connect. With 42 seconds left, the Road Warriors were able to milk the clock and grab the offensive board, leaving Blackwater just 19 seconds to cut the deficit. Digregorio, however, couldn’t convert.

Maliksi then earned a trip to the line, making the first before his team grabbed the offensive board to set up the game-tying play. Mac Belo went for the equalizer with two seconds left, but the shot did not fall, letting NLEX escape with the win.

A total of four players scored in double figures for Blackwater, led by Mike Digregorio with 16. Pos Erram and Raymar Jose added 14 points each, while Allen Maliksi and Mac Belo scored 13 and 10 points, respectively. — DVM, GMA News