Thornton drops 50 as NLEX beats Ginebra in OT

MANILA, Philippines – Returning import Al Thornton was on fire all-game long and delivered in overtime to lead his NLEX Road Warriors past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 114-112, on Friday, February 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Thornton helped orchestrate a second-half comeback for the Road Warriors who entered the halftime break down by 10. The 32-year-old, former NBA player scored 10 of his 50 points in overtime, where NLEX took control of its opponent.

“He always bailed us out tonight,” said Road Warriors head coach Boyet Fernandez, who also credited the team’s defense.

“It’s our defense [which] stepped up in the second half,” he said.

Thornton also had 7 rebounds while Kevin Alas posted 21 points in the win for the now 1-0 Road Warriors. Sean Anthony also played well with 15 points and 11 boards.

“We’re just lucky that wala si Slaughter ngayon (Slaughter wasn’t around)and we capitalized,” said Fernandez as Ginebra missed its leading scorer who has a bout with measles.

“At least we got this first win and hopefully it will be a good start for our team.”

The game was tied at 95 with 1:30 remaining in regulation after LA Tenorio found Joe Devance on a pretty dish that netted an easy two points on the break. Thornton was then fouled on the next two possessions, but both teams split his free throws, which led to a 97-95 score.

Mark Caguioa was then fouled under the rim with 17 seconds left and made both charities to tie the contest. After an NLEX time-out, Thornton let the clock melt before attempting a mid-range shot that missed. 

Ginebra had the ball with one second left and a chance to win the contest, but Caguioa missed a wide-open shot downtown.

Thornton then took over in OT, scoring on jumpers and free throws. After Sean Anthony hit a 3-ball to put his team ahead 102-99, NLEX didn’t relinquish the lead the rest of the way to seal the win.

It was the second time in his PBA career Thornton scored 50 against Ginebra after he did it in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup. 

According to Fernandez, the import had undergone stem cell treatment before coming to Manila for the conference.

“We were surprised that when he came in January 7 or 8, he told us before he left Florida, he had a stem cell treatment on December 23rd,” said Fernandez.

“It’s really the fighting spirit of Al that lets him play like this.”

Ginebra was led by the 31 points of import Othyus Jeffers who also had 20 rebounds. Devance and Mercado had 18 and 15 points, respectively.

Scores:

NLEX (114): Thornton 50, Alas 21, Anthony 15, J. Villanueva 12, Enciso 6, Lanete 3, Taulava 3, Khobuntin 2, E. Villanueva 2, Arboleda 0, Borboran 0, Cardona 0, Reyes 0, Rios 0.

Ginebra (112): Jeffers 31, Devance 18, Mercado 15, Caguioa 10, Aguilar 9, Tenorio 9, Marcelo 8, Ellis 5, Thompson 5, Helterbrand 2, Cruz 0. 

Quarter scores: 21-22, 41-51, 73-73, 97-97, 114-112 – Rappler.com