THE NLEX ROAD Warriors captured the first-ever title in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup in dramatic fashion as Ronald Pascual hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer that lifted them to a pulsating 61-59 win over the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals series yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
A perfect inbound pass from John Raymudo with .8 seconds left set up Pascual for the thrilling finish—a fitting end to the final game of a titular series that produced a lot of unexpected twists. The victory gave NLEX a sweep of the best-of-three series.
Pascual, a 6-foot-3 small forward, scored 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting and his game winning shot pierced through the hearts and soul of the Gems, who battled back from 13 points down and were expecting the game to go through overtime when the Road Warriors watched Cebuana Lhuillier guard Kevin Alas ran the length of the floor and score on layup that tied the game at 59-59.
Stunned by that play, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez quickly called for a timeout and designed the play he said they have been practicing over and over.
Luigi Trillo, the Cebuana Lhuillier coach, was gracious in defeat. “Coach Boyet ran a good play. We switched well on defense but Pascual made a tough shot. They deserved it,” Trillo said.
Calvin Abueva led all scorers with 18 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. With Cliffoird Hodge cornering 10 boards, the Road Warrior outrebounded the Gems, 58-43.
Seldom-used Hyram Bagatsing led the Gems with 13 points, and his timely shots down the stretch brought back Cebuana Lhuillier back into the game.
NLEX appeared headed for a rout when it uncorked a 16-6 run bridging the second and third quarters and took a commanding 43-30 advantage on a drive by Pascual.
When NLEX sputtered, the Gems cashed in on every opportunity and managed to tie the count at 45-45 entering the fourth.
BOX SCORES:
NLEX 61 – Abueva 18, Pascual 10, Ellis 9, Hodge 7, Raymundo 7, Menor 6, Sangalang 2, Dehesa 2, Salamat 0, Taganas 0, Co 0.
CEBUANA 59 – Bagatsing 13, Hayes 10, Alas 9, Maliksi 8, Mandani 5, Sena 4, Mepana 4, Fernandez 2, Canta 2, Semira 2, Elinon 0, Llagas 0, Nabong 0.
Quarters: 13-8; 34-28; 45-45; 61-59. Correspondent Jonas Panerio