The NLEX Road Warriors were successful on spoiling the victory hopes of the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters, 87-85.
Kenneth Ighalo led the locals of the Road Warriors with his 14 points.
Though there are a lot of NLEX players who contributed in the game it was really Ighalo paced their squad since the opening quarter.
He was named as the Best Player of the Game after the match.
NLEX led as much as 20 points in the first half but in the third quarter, there may be some tongue lashing happened in the dugout of Phoenix as they trimmed the deficit to only four points.
Yet, NLEX able to adjust before the end of the third quarter and they were able to bring back their lead to double-digits.
In the final period, both teams trading basket at the start but Phoenix made another comeback as once again they cut the deficit and this time to only a point after RJ Jazul sank his three-pointer.
In the next ball possession, Phoenix made an intentional foul that sent Olu Ashaolu to the free-throw line. The NLEX import missed both his freebies but good thing Jericho Cruz was there for the offensive rebound.
Cruz was also fouled intentionally and was tested to the line. He split his trip in the free-throw line which leaves the door open for their opponent.
With only two seconds remaining, Rich Howell found Matthew Wright through a long inbound pass but Ashaolu was there to contest the shot.
Wright made his three-point attempt that could be the game-winner but the ball hits the side of the back-board.
With the defeat, Phoenix is tied with San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces with four wins each.
Oluseyi Ashaolu Operates In The Paint
NLEX vs Phoenix Box Score
Quarters: 21-11 | 45-32 | 65-54 | 87-85
Road Warriors (87) – Ashaolu 17, Ighalo 14, Quinahan 9, Paniamogan 9, Erram 7, Cruz 6, Lao 5, Tiongson 5, Fonacier 5, Taulava 4, Soyud 4, Varilla 2, Baguio 0, Galanza 0
Fuel Masters (85) – Jazul 20, Wright 16, Mallari 13, Howell 11, Intal 6, Marcelo 6, Perkins 2, Napoles 0, Wilson 0, Guevarra 0, Gamboa 0