NLEX escapes Meralco

Games today
Araneta Coliseum
4:15 p.m.- Blackwater vs. Talk ‘N Text
7:00 p.m.- GlobalPort vs. Brgy. Ginebra

SEAN Anthony canned two free throws with 8.8 seconds left to buoy the NLEX Road Warriors to a pulsating 93-91 win over sister-team Meralco Bolts yesterday in the 41st PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The two critical free throws saved the Road Warriors from what could have been a huge meltdown when they lost a six-point lead, 90-84, with only 1:24 left.

Meralco fought back with Gary David capping the uprising by sinking a huge triple, giving the Bolts a 91-90 lead with 9.8 seconds to play.

It didn’t take long for the Road Warriors to regain the lead when Anthony was fouled from behind by Jared Dillinger while catching an inbound pass.

NLEX’s 42-year-old center Asi Taulava goes up for a shot against Meralco’s Kelly Nabong and Bryan Faundo. (INQUIRER PHOTO)

After Anthony sank the two free throws, Meralco turned the ball over when David was caught stepping on the endline.

Kevin Alas pegged the final tally with a split free throw with 2.6 seconds left.

The close win preserved Asi Taulava’s solid game as the 42-year-old veteran finished with 22 points and 21 rebounds, to lead the Road Warriors’ fourth win in six outings.

After putting a halt to  five successive losses to start the season, the Bolts stumbled again to drop 1-6 (win-loss).

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