Walker drops 39 as NLEX slips past slumping Mahindra

Jane Bracher

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Walker drops 39 as NLEX slips past slumping Mahindra
Henry Walker scores 17 of NLEX's 22 fourth quarter points, including 8 in its decisive 11-2 run to end the game

MANILA, Philippines – After once leading the league with a 4-0 slate, the Mahindra Enforcer have gone into a two-game tailspin after a second straight defeat at the hands of the rising NLEX Road Warriors, 82-81, in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, August 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Henry Walker dropped 39 points and scored 17 of his team’s 22 points in a fourth quarter barrage where the Road Warriors climbed out of an 8-point deficit to survive Mahindra.

Walker, who also had 13 rebounds and two steals, was responsible for 8 of NLEX’s last 11 points, a decisive run to end the game where they kept Mahindra to just two points. The import knocked down 7 triples in the game, including the go-ahead trey, 80-79, with 3:15 left.

NLEX, which now levels its record to 3-3, made key defensive stops including a crucial steal by Kevin Alas as import James White tried to win the game in the closing seconds.

“I credit this win to our defense. We made 3 good stops in the last two minutes. I’m really happy we just followed our defensive scheme,” said head coach Boyet Fernandez.

“We just made a good stop and at least Henry again stepped up his game.”

Alas chipped in 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals as he made up for what could have been a costly error inside the final minute, where he allowed John Pinto to reach in and tap the ball to force the turnover.

Jonas Villanueva finished with 9 points plus a 3-pointer in NLEX’s last rally, while Asi Taulava had 8 points and 12 rebounds.

Niño Canaleta led the way for Mahindra with 23 points on 5-of-8 shooting from downtown while import White had 21 markers and 15 boards.

Michael DiGregorio added 11 points as the Enforcer slid to a 4-2 record. Their other loss was to Phoenix, 100-94, 5 days ago. – Rappler.com

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