PBA: Kevin Alas leads NLEX past Phoenix for second win

Kevin Alas stepped up as the go-to guy for NLEX in its 87-81 victory over Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Alas delivered 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals to power the Road Warriors to their second win of the conference.

NLEX held an 83-76 lead with under two minutes remaining, but a Tyler Tio layup followed by a Ricci Rivero triple brought Phoenix within two, 83-81, with 1:03 left.

However, Alas answered with a crucial basket to give NLEX breathing room, before Robert Bolick’s free throws off an Evan Nelle foul sealed the win.

Aside from Alas, JB Bahio and Anthony Semerad chipped in 11 points apiece, with Semerad also grabbing down 10 rebounds. Xyrus Torres added 10 points, while Bolick nearly recorded a triple-double with nine points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and two steals.

Rivero led Phoenix with 22 points, while Jason Perkins added 15. Kai Ballungay also posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

With the win, NLEX improved to 2-1, while Phoenix slipped to 1-2.

Scores:

NLEX 87 – Alas 26, Bahio 11, Semerad 11, Torres 10, Bolick 9, Fajardo 7, Nieto 7, Ramirez 4, Valdez 2, Rodger 0, Mocon 0, Policarpio 0.

Phoenix 81 – Rivero 22, Perkins 15, Ballungay 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Kwekuteye 6, Caperal 5, Nelle 3, Manganti 2, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Santos 0, Escandor 0.

Quarters: 14-17, 45-30, 70-57, 87-81.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News