NLEX contains Alaska to earn first semis appearance

The Alaska Aces were held scoreless in the final three minutes of the game, allowing the NLEX Road Warriors to earn an 87-83 victory on Wednesday.

Kevin Alas led NLEX with 18 points, while JR Quinahan added 16. The two also combined for 14 rebounds.

Michael Miranda and Kiefer Ravena paced the bench with a combined 23 points.

With the win, the Road Warriors seized their first semifinals appearance in franchise history, setting up a semifinals duel with the Magnolia Hotshots starters Saturday, Match 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska’s final basket came at the 3:01 mark, as Ping Exciminiano scored to give the Aces a three-point lead, 83-80.

Kiefer Ravena and Michael Miranda then conspired for baskets at the other end, while Kevin Alas stretched for a layup and a four-point edge for NLEX, 87-83.

The Aces still came up empty in the final minute, as Jayvee Casio and Calvin Abueva couldn’t connect on their attempts.

Calvin Abueva paced Alaska with 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Ping Exciminiano scored 12 off the bench. Jayvee Casio and Kevin Racal also added 10 apiece in the loss. — BAP, GMA News