NLEX logs a win in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament, a four-day tourney they joined as part of their preps for the PBA's 50th season.
NLEX blew a 17-point lead but made the big plays in the clutch to score a 95-88 win over Converge in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City Thursday, Aug. 21.
The Road Warriors joined Blackwater as opening day winners at the USEP Gym, Obrero Campus.
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NLEX was in the driver's seat after a stellar middle-quarter performance that allowed them to take an 80-63 buffer early in the fourth period.
But the FiberXers eventually solved the puzzle after initially struggling with NLEX’s small ball, attacking the paint more aggressively to slowly close the gap.
Converge then tied the match on a massive 20-3 run capped by King Caralipio’s split from the foul line, 83-all, with 5:26 left to play.
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Robert Bolick stopped the bleeding for NLEX with a booming corner three-ball for an 87-84 lead.
It was a back-and-forth match from there.
What made the difference for the Road Warriors was Ricci Roger’s dagger of a triple in transition, followed by Javee Mocon’s free throws for a 92-88 count with 1:16 remaining.
Mocon then made a big defensive effort in the play, swatting Alec Stockton’s attempt which led to an easy two by Brandon Ramirez for insurance, and the final score.