NLEX trips KIA, grabs early lead

Games today (Smart-Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs Star 6:45 p.m. – Brgy. Ginebra vs Meralco

NLEX weathered a KIA storm and the ejection of coach Yeng Guiao in the fourth quarter as it eked out 100-93 victory yesterday to seize the early lead in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the MOA Arena.

The Road Warriors, who bested the Alaska Aces, 112-104, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, needed a 27-point third quarter cushion to survive the Picanto’s furious fightback and seal their second straight win and the lead.

Up 27 points, 78-51, midway in the third period, the Road Warriors went on a scoring slump and Guiao was slapped two quick technical fouls – the first for stepping inside the court and the other for disrespecting officials – allowing the Picanto to prune the lead to a single-digit.

KIA, which came closest at 93-98 on a threepoint play by Markieth Cummings with 14 seconds to go, didn’t have time to complete a successful comeback.

Meanwhile, GlobalPort replaced Jabril Trawick with Murphy Holloway yesterday as it takes on Phoenix on Wednesday at the Big Dome.

Trawick was a dud in his first and only game with the Batang Pier and was held to just three points in a heartbreaking 96-98 defeat to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Friday.

The 6-5 Murphy, 27, from Immo, South Carolina, played college ball for the Georgetown Hoyas and counted former TNT import Joshua Smith as teammate.

In the other game, Eugene Phelps scored the game-winning basket just before the final buzzer sounded as Phoenix edged Alaska, 9593, to join NLEX on top with two wins. The scores: First Game NLEX 100 – Fuller 24, Alas 13, Lastimosa 13, Quiñahan 11, Taulava 8, Al-Hussaini 6, Mallari 6, Soyud 6, baracael 5, Villanueva 5, Fonacier 3, Ighalo 0, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0, Rios 0.

KIA 93 – Cummings 30, Khobuntin 15, Jaime 13, Celda 8, Paniamogan 6, Elorde 6, Yee 4, Corpuz 4, Camson 3, Salva 2, Nimes 2, Caperal 0, Galanza 0, Teng 0, ballesteros 0. Quarterscores: 36-18, 64-40, 83-70, 100-93 Second Game PHoENIX 95 – Phelps 29, Jazul 15, Eriobu 14, J. Wilson 13, Intal 8, baguio 5, W. Wilson 4, Hayes 2, Alolino 2, borboran 2, Kramer 1, Dehesa 0, Lanete 0.

ALASKA 93 – Henton 30, Enciso 17, banchero 9, Manuel 9, Abueva 8, Dela Cruz 5, baclao 4, Thoss 4, Magat 4, Galliguez 2, Racal 1, Exciminiano 0, Hontiveros 0, Casio 0.

Quarterscores: 18-22, 43-46, 72-70, 95-93