NLEX limits Mikey Williams to two points, weathers TNT for 3-0 start

NLEX held TNT star Mikey Williams to only two points as the Road Warriors eked out a tight 110-108 victory to remain unscathed in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

NLEX, which previously defeated NorthPort and Blackwater, hiked its standing to 3-0 while TNT dropped to 2-1 with the loss following two consecutive wins to open the conference.

The Road Warriors trailed by as many as 15 early on but a fourth quarter rampage put the game in favor of the wards of head coach Frankie Lim. Staring at a 91-78 deficit at the end of the third, NLEX stepped on the gas pedal with a 16-5 outburst to pull to within two, 94-96.

After TNT import Jalen Hudson knocked down both of his free throws, NLEX then unleashed another 10-0 run to reclaim the lead, 104-98, with 3:27 left to play in the fourth with Jonathon Simmons and Sean Anthony leading the way.

Kevin Alas was unstoppable down the stretch, nailing the last two baskets that saved the day for NLEX.

Simmons detonated for 45 points in the win alongside 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals as NLEX joined Converge and San Miguel atop the ladder.

Anthony finished with 15 and six rebounds while Alas chipped in 13 markers, both off the bench.

Hudson carried the load for the Tropang Giga with his 39 markers while RR Pogoy added 21.

TNT's Williams, though, only managed two points in almost 35 minutes of action. He shot 1-of-10 from the field and missed all five of his attempts from three.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News