(PBA images)
Kevin Alas reminded everyone what vintage form looks like.
The veteran guard erupted for 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a fiery performance that lifted NLEX to an 87-81 victory over Phoenix in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“It’s all by God’s grace that after three ACL injuries, I can still play like this. I’m grateful to God,” said Alas, who looked every bit like his old self in leading the Road Warriors’ bounce-back from a tough loss to Terrafirma.
Making his season debut, Robert Bolick filled up the stat sheet with nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, setting the tone for NLEX’s offense after sitting out the opener to mourn his father’s passing. His court vision allowed teammates Tony Semerad, JB Bahio, and Xyrus Torres to find their rhythm early and pile on the points.
Semerad, Bahio, and Torres combined for 32 markers as NLEX joined TNT, Magnolia, and Converge on top of the standings at 2-1.
Phoenix, which was coming off a thrilling upset over San Miguel, slipped to 1-2 despite another inspired showing from Ricci Rivero, who dropped 22 points and six rebounds in just 26 minutes. Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay chipped in 15 and 12, with Ballungay adding 11 boards for a double-double effort.
Alas sealed the win with a clutch half-spin fadeaway jumper in the final stretch, while Bolick sank two crucial free throws to fend off Phoenix’s late rally.
“Phoenix really turned up their defense and made it tough for us to get good shots,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico. “But we responded well defensively and held our ground when it mattered most.”
The win underscored the Road Warriors’ growing chemistry under Uichico, with Alas’ leadership and Bolick’s playmaking steering them back into contention early in the conference.
Scores:
NLEX 87 – Alas 26, Semerad 11, Bahio 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, Escandor 0, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Santos 0.
Quarters: 14-17, 45-30, 70-57, 87-81.