(UPDATED) MANILA, Philippines – Larry Fonacier and Cyrus Baguio’s 4th quarter heroics powered the NLEX Road Warriors in halting their 4-game skid with an 81-78 victory over Barangay Ginebra in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay Saturday, February 3. 

NLEX trailed by as much as 14 points in the 3rd quarter, 36-50, before gaining its bearings as it rode on a 15-3 salvo to close the gap to 51-53. The Road Warriors entered the last frame down by just 4 points, 53-57.

It was in the 4th quarter when Baguio, who scored just two points in the first 3 quarters, showcased his offensive aplomb, racking up the Road Warriors’ first 11 points in the final period to keep the team within striking distance, 66-71.

Fonacier then carried the scoring cudgels and buried a layup then a triple with 5:03 left in the game as NLEX tasted its first lead of the game since going up 2-0 in the first period, 75-73.

Ginebra once again took the upper hand behind Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter until JR Quinahan knocked down back-to-back buckets for a 79-77 NLEX lead with 1:47 minutes remaining.

Slaughter had a chance to tie the game after hauling down an offensive board off Aguilar’s missed triple but he split his charities as Alex Mallari secured the rebound for NLEX.

Fonacier then sank a technical free throw due to Ginebra’s delay of the game violation while Ravena split his freebies, leaving no time for the Gin Kings to get a decent 3-point attempt.

Fonacier finished with 17 points while Baguio had a well-rounded showing of 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. Quinahan and Mallari chipped in 14 and 11 markers, respectively, and combined for 11 boards in the win. 

“I really don’t know how we won the game so please nobody ask me how we won the game,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao.

“We just put on an effort and sheer determination and some breaks in the endgame. The important thing for us is we break our losing streak and we give ourselves a chance to be in the fight.”

Ginebra, which could not duplicate the same tenacity it displayed when it ended the San Miguel Beermen’s 5-game winning streak last January 28, dished out 26 assists but committed 24 turnovers, which NLEX used to score 31 points.

Aguilar finished with 21 points and 7 boards while LA Tenorio was the only other Ginebra player to reach double figures with 12 points and 5 rebounds.

NLEX and Ginebra have identical 3-4 cards, tying the Phoenix Fuel Masters for 6th place.

The Scores: 

NLEX (81): Fonacier 18, Quinahan 14, Baguio 13, Mallari 11, Ravena 7, Taulava 5, Tiongson 4, Alas 4, Miranda 2, Soyud 2, Ighalo 2, Uyloan 0, Gotladera 0

Ginebra (78): J. Aguilar 21, Tenorio 12, R. Aguilar 9, Slaughter 9, Thompson 8, Cruz 8, Ferrer 6, Mercado 5, Taha 0, Caguioa 0

Quarter scores: 19-20, 35-43, 55-59, 81-78

– Rappler.com