By REYNALD MAGALLON
JB Bahio scored the game-winning basket to lift NLEX past Magnolia while NorthPort battled back from a huge deficit to force a draw against Phoenix in separate tuneup games that serve as part of the teams preparations for the PBA 50th Season.
The sophomore forward saved the day for the Road Warriors, coming through with a huge basket in the last five seconds to help NLEX escape with a 78-77 victory on Tuesday, Sept 23 at the Gameville BallPark in Mandaluyong City.
NLEX led by as many as 12 points in the contest but squandered the lead in the final frame. Bahio helped the Road Warriors recover by scoring seven of his nine points in the fourth to hand new Magnolia coach LA Tenorio his first defeat as the Hotshots coach.
The Batang Pier, on the other hand, fell to a 19-point hole the first three quarters before Calvin Abueva, Joshua Munzon and Cade Flores took over to tie the score at 98-all at the end of the game.
NorthPort was actually still staring at an eight-point deficit, 88-96, with under four minutes left but the Batang Pier unloaded a 12-2 run to finish the game.
Former Terrafirma coach John Cardel called the shots for NorthPort, whose sale to Pureblends Corp should finally be given green light by the PBA board, could become the newest team for the upcoming season.
Rookie Chris Koon played for the Batang Pier alongside offseason acquisitions Aljun Melecio, Von Pessumal, and Jeo Ambohot.
