PBA: NLEX thwarts Ginebra comeback to push streak

NLEX Road Warriors’ Robert Bolick against Barangay Ginebra defenders during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES

NLEX survived a huge comeback by Barangay Ginebra to take an 89-86 victory that continued its impressive run in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Xyrus Torres atoned for an earlier turnover to knock down a go-ahead triple that eventually helped the Road Warriors claim their fourth win in five games for solo second in the standings.

READ: PBA: NLEX, Bolick stretch win run to 3 after dismissing Blackwater

Robert Bolick scored 28 points, including two free throws that settled the final score as Scottie Thompson missed a game-tying three in the end as Ginebra dropped to an even 2-2 slate.

Ginebra, though, made NLEX sweat down the stretch after mounting a run from a 17-point deficit in the third and even taking an 84-81 lead on Thompson’s layup.

Before that basket, Torres committed a turnover after Bolick’s pass slipped out of his hands. But Bolick connected on a three to even things up, then Torres responded to Thompson’s jumper with a three to make it 87-86 lead NLEX, time down to 49 seconds.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompson during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES

Torres and Brandon Ramirez scored 11 points, but the latter had to leave the game after getting hit in the jaw during the fourth quarter.

The Road Warriors have been on a roll since dropping their opening assignment to the San Miguel Beermen.

Bolick scored 11 in the third as NLEX turned a 37-36 lead at the break into a 58-41 gap in the third, leaving Ginebra coach Tim Cone frustrated.

NLEX’s next game is on May 14 at the same venue against lowly Terrafirma while Ginebra will look to bounce back on Saturday with a trip to San Fernando, Pampanga for a matchup with Converge.