KEVIN ALAS took charge in the absence of Kiefer Ravena and led NLEX to an 84-74 victory over Alaska in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Thursday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Alas poured in 11 of his 17 points in the second half and with seven rebounds and three assists, he ably filled in for Ravena who’s in Japan attending to his upcoming stint with the Shiga Lakestars in the J.League.
“It’s very difficult to play, just trying to get your timing back, just trying to feel a new environment,” NLEX Coach Yeng Guiao said. “There are a lot of adjustments and the biggest adjustment for us is playing without Kiefer [Ravena].”
Jay-R Quiñahan led the Road Warriors with 18 points and Kenneth Ighalo had 10 of his 15 points in the last quarter for the Road Warriors, who clinched their third victory against two losses.
Trailing 40-50 in the middle of third quarter, the flamboyant Alas sparked an 11-0 run to push the Road Warriors to a 53-52 lead with 2:49 to go.
Former Adamson University star Jericho Cruz, Ighalo and Alas stepped on the gas further to give NLEX an 80-71 cushion with 3:28 remaining. The Aces never threatened the rest of the way.
Cruz scored 15 points while rookie Oftana had eight points.
Maverick Ahanmisi finished with 17 points and Mike DiGregorio had 16 points for the Aces, who fell to 2-4 won-lost.
The Road Warriors played without Tony Semerad (personal reason) and Raul Soyud (injured ankle).