MANILA -- Poy Erram saved NLEX's cause with a huge defensive gem down the stretch as the team escaped with a 100-97 win against Rain Or Shine in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.
Erram blocked Denzel Bowles's potential game-winning layup as the Road Warriors nearly squandered a 17-point lead at the end of the third quarter but still got out of the woods in the end.
Ola Ashaolu made a triumphant return to the NLEX lineup with 26 points including two clutch free throws that gave the team some breathing room, 13 rebounds, six assists, and one steal as the team moves up to 2-7.
Jericho Cruz added 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists off the bench.
Bowles came up with 35 markers, nine boards, three dimes, one block, and one steal for the Elasto Painters, who fell to 3-3. (PNA)
