PBA
Nlex secures playoff spot after dominating Rain or Shine
NLEX star Kevin Alas leads Road Warriors to another win. Kevin Alas finished with 28 points while import Wayne Selden Jr. tossed in 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Road Warriors clinched a playoff spot.
“Actually, we’re looking for a spot in the Top 4 and our next game is against Terrafirma. We have to win that game and go up against San Miguel in our last game. So I think if we get one or two, that would be good for us,” said head coach Frankie Lim.
“We’re looking at the Top 4, but we’re also thankful we’re already through the quarters,” added the mentor, who took over Yeng Guiao’s post in the previous conference.
Don Trollano added 20 points and eight rebounds as NLEX rebounded from a loss to sister team Meralco and improved to 6-3.
Rain or Shine leaned on Rey Nambatac’s 26 points, Gabe Norwood’s 13, and Nick Demusis’ 12 and even threatened to come back, pulling within 104-97 with 1:26 remaining.
But Alas, high on his first All-Star selection, was simply too much to handle for the Elasto Painters. He unloaded 13 of his total output all in the final frame.
Rain or Shine dropped to 2-6 but is still in the running for a spot in the bottom half of the Top 8. They play Phoenix, then NorthPort and close out their elimination round against San Miguel Beer.