NLEX put a stop to its five-game losing skid after escaping Barangay Ginebra in overtime, 120-117, in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.
NLEX pumped life to its playoffs bid as it improved to 4-7 while also snapping Ginebra's five-game winning streak and sending them to a 7-3 card.
Scottie Thompson led Ginebra's fightback in the regulation, notching eight points as part a 12-6 run that pulled Ginebra to within just one point, 111-110, with 41 ticks left. A three-point play from import Justin Brownlee then gave Ginebra the lead before his counterpart Earl Clark hit a huge triple to tie the game at 113-all.
Brownlee, though, missed on his jumper to send the game into extra period.
Japeth Aguilar and Thompson made crucial baskets to make it a 117-116 affair for Ginebra, before Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser knocked down his trey as the Road Warriors regained a 119-117 cushion with 1:37 left.
Paul Varilla then split his free throws off a foul from LA Tenorio as Jamie Malonzo got blocked on his three-point attempt. Brownlee got the chance to knot the game, but he went wide on his final trey attempt to give NLEX the victory.
Clark led NLEX with a double-double of 37 points and 17 rebounds to go along with seven assists, two steals, and a block while Don Trollano led the locals with 26 markers, six boards, and two dimes.
Kevin Alas was also pivotal as he finished with 18 points off the bench alongside nine assists while Ganuelas-Rosser and Matt Nieto finished with 11 and 10 points apiece.
The loss spoiled a 39-point outing from Brownlee, who also had 11 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
