NLEX got back to its winning ways after turning back Columbian Dyip, 116-104, in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Aaron Fuller had a sterling comeback performance for the Road Warriors, finishing with 35 points, 21 rebounds, and seven assists.
Larry Fonacier and Kenneth Ighalo chipped in 17 and 15 points, respectively. JR Quinahan and Mac Tallo combined for 17 markers and 11 dimes.
After a back-and-forth first three quarters, the Road Warriors got it going in the fourth period on the way to their third win in four matches.
NLEX opened the final period with an 11-to-nothing run and took a 102-89 lead after Aaron Fuller munched a pair of free throws.
But the Dyip refused to fold. Jerramy King drilled in a triple with seven minutes remaining. Jon Gabriel scored off import Akeem Wright's dish as the Dyip pulled to within five, 97-102.
Wright would hit a three-pointer with 3:23 seconds to go. But Quinahan and Fonacier buried treys that shut the door on Columbian for good, 113-102.
"We knew we played really bad against Magnolia," said NLEX assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa, whose team bowed to the Hotshots, 102-72 in its previous match.
"We also knew coming in Columbian is no pushover. So we told the them we needed to earn this win and for some reason we were able to defend well in the second half. We're happy about that."
Wright's Herculean 37-point, 17-rebound, five-assist output went down the drain as the Dyip remained winless in their first three matches.
King chimed in 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Glen Khobuntin added 10 markers.
THE SCORES
NLEX 116 - Fuller 35, Fonacier 17, Ighalo 15, Quinahan 10, Galanza 10, Tallo 7, Mallari 7, Marcelo 6, Miranda 3, Tiongson 3, Paniamogan 3.
Columbian 104 - Wright 37, King 22, Khobuntin 10, McCarthy 9, Gabriel 9, Lastimosa 7, Cahilig 6, Escoto 4, Ababou 0, Tubid 0, Camson 0, Cabrera 0, Celda 0.
Quarterscores: 33-34, 64-62, 91-87, 116-104
EXTRA DRIBBLES
Although head coach Yeng Guiao will arrive in time for the San Miguel match on September 1, Lastimosa will still call the shots for the Road Warriors.
Jerramy King was sporting a Gucci band. He shot 3-of-6 from the three-point area while turning the ball over only once.
NEXT GAMES
NLEX - vs San Miguel on September 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Columbian Dyip - vs Ginebra on August 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum