BIÑAN CITY, Philippines – NLEX crumbled down the stretch in regulation but restored order in overtime to notch its first win in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a 120-115 triumph over the Phoenix at the Alonte Sports Arena here on Friday, May 11.

Import Arnett Moultrie messed with a triple-double of 37 points, 17 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 blocks as the Road Warriors cracked the winning column following 3 straight losses. 

The Road Warriors, who squandered a 9-point lead with two minutes left in regulation, quickly gained control in the extra period with a 9-2 blitz for a 113-106 advantage.

Phoenix threatened another comeback with back-to-back Matthew Wright and Jason Perkins jumpers, 110-103. But NLEX would not fold thanks to Arnett Moultrie’s layup and Larry Fonacier’s triple with 59 seconds remaining.

“We needed this win badly. It’s like we’re starting to learn how to win again, parang nakalimutan na namin paano manalo (it’s like we forgot how to win). We had a good lead almost throughout the game but we lost it in the last 4, 3 minutes,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. 

“Of course, that’s disappointing but a win is still a win. After 3 losses we have to start somewhere and just getting a win for us is a big relief.”

NLEX held a comfortable 102-93 lead with two minutes left until the Fuel Masters fired 9 straight points, capped with Perkins’ triple and layup, to knot the score at 102-all.

Moultrie had a chance to win it for the Road Warriors in regulation but muffed his floater. 

JR Quiñahan backstopped Moultrie with 16 points while Fonacier chipped in 11 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds. 

Wright finished with 31 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Phoenix, which slipped to 2-2. 

Import James White added 19 points and 11 rebounds and Jason Perkins chalked up 15 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. 

The Scores:

NLEX (120): Moultrie 37, Quiñahan 16, Mallari 13, Fonacier 11, Ravena 9, Miranda 8, Baguio 7, Soyud 7, Tiongson 5, Rios 4, Monfort 3, Ighalo 0

Phoenix (115): Wright 31, White 19, Chan 17, Perkins 15, Revilla 9, Jazul 8, Mendoza 8, Kramer 4, Chua 2, Eriobu 2, Alolino 0, Intal 0, Wilson 0

Quarter scores: 28-25, 57-43, 78-72, 104-104, 120-115

– Rappler.com