NLEX rides Ravena to victory over Alaska

The NLEX Road Warriors rode on Kiefer Ravena's 25 points and eight assists to defeat the Alaska Aces, 105-99, in the quarterfinals of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

A Larry Fonacier four-point play knotted the game at 96-all, before Kiefer Ravena fed Michael Miranda down low to give NLEX the lead.

Another make from Ravena, followed by a Kevin Alas split stretched the lead for NLEX with 13 seconds remaining.

At the other end, Simon Enciso hit a triple with time winding down, but Ravena and Alas were solid from the freethrow line to give NLEX the victory.

“We couldn’t get fouls. The story of this game is that too many free throws were given to the other side,” lamented NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. “Sobrang dami ng freethrows sa kabila. We will check wit the office if it’s really that many. Medyo naaalangan ako kung lahat nun may foul.”

Larry Fonacier finished the game with 18 points, while Alas chipped in 17. JR Quinahan and Michael Miranda tallied 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Chris Banchero, meanwhile, led the Aces with 20 points, while Calvin Abueva scored 18. Simon Enciso finished the game with 16 markers, while Vic Manuel and Sonny Thoss combined for 24.

“We’re just lucky. I guess the biggest play of the game was Larry’s four-point play,” Guiao added, while noting that Alaska still poses a threat even if they are down in the short series. “The biggest mistake we can make is to think we will have an easier time the next time.” — DVM, GMA News