MANILA — Kevin Alas turned back the clock with a vintage performance, leading the NLEX Road Warriors to an 87-81 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Alas, who has overcome three anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries throughout his PBA career, exploded for 26 points, including two rare four-point plays, along with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His clutch jumper in the final minute sealed the Road Warriors’ escape and improved their record to 2-1.
“It’s by God’s grace that I am performing like that. Three ACL injuries. Grateful to God na nakakalaro pa din ako at this level of competition,” said the emotional Alas, who was named the Player of the Game.
The 32-year-old guard’s leadership anchored NLEX’s steady control of the contest, with Anthony Semerad contributing a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. JB Bahio and Xyrus Torres also added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Ricci Rivero spearheaded Phoenix’s late rally with 22 points, while Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay chipped in 15 and 12 markers, respectively. Ballungay also grabbed 11 rebounds in a losing effort as the Fuel Masters dropped to 1-2.
In the second game, the Converge FiberXers bounced back with a commanding 125-108 win over the Terrafirma Dyip behind rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño’s second career triple-double — 17 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Alec Stockton led the balanced attack with 22 points as Converge tied NLEX and Magnolia at 2-1.
MJ Garcia, Deschon Winston, Justine Baltazar, and Justin Arana provided solid support with 15, 14, 13, and 12 points, respectively. Jerrick Ahanmisi paced Terrafirma with 16 markers as the Dyip also fell to 1-2./PN
