John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:959px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761142029434PBA IMAGES11.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">NLEX&#x27;s Kevin Alas in action. <em>PBA Images</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — NLEX got challenged late but found the composure to hold off Phoenix, 87-81, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.</p><p>The Road Warriors led by as much as 20 points at the 50-30 mark early in the third frame, but eventually saw themselves only leading by two in the fourth period, 76-74, as the Fuel Masters returned into the match after Ricci Rivero led a furious comeback.</p><p>Rivero converted a triple with 3:44 left, 76-74, to knock on NLEX&#x27;s doorsteps.</p><p>However, Kevin Alas was there to douse the fire, swishing a four-pointer later on to expand their cushion further, 80-74.</p><p>Rivero pulled his team once more within two, 83-81, but Alas was again there for the clap back, converting a basket just inside the arc to punish the sloppy defense of Phoenix, 85-81.</p><p>Alas suffered a turnover, gifting the possession to the other side with 20 ticks left, but Tyler Tio committed a costly fault on the inbound, turning the ball over after a bad pass that led to a foul on Robert Bolick with 14 seconds remaining.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/10/22/pba-balanced-attack-propels-converge-past-terrafirma-1952"><strong>READ: PBA: Balanced attack propels Converge past Terrafirma</strong></a></div><p>Bolick calmly sank the two freebies, marking NLEX&#x27;s return to the winning column after losing against Terrafirma last time around, 91-97.</p><p>Alas finished with 26 points, five rebounds, and three assists to take Best Player of the Game nod, while Anthony Semerad had a huge double-double of 11 markers and 10 boards.</p><p>After the game, NLEX coach Jong Uichico commended Alas for his stellar play.</p><p>&quot;Ganda &#x27;yung laro ni Kevin ngayon, and I&#x27;m happy for Kevin—I think this might be your breakout game, &#x27;di ba?&quot; Uichico told Alas.</p><p>JB Bahio had 11 points, Xyrus Torres had 10 points, while Bolick returned to action, delivering nine markers for the winning side.</p><p>On the other hand, Rivero paced Phoenix with a 22-point output, to go with six rebounds and two steals.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Scores:</strong></div><p><strong>NLEX 87 </strong>– Alas 26, Bahio 11, Semerad 11, Torres 10, Bolick 9, Fajardo 7, Nieto 7, Ramirez 4, Valdez 2, Rodger 0, Mocon 0, Policarpio 0</p><p><strong>PHOENIX 81 </strong>– Rivero 22, Perkins 15, Ballungay 12, Tuffin 9, Tio 7, Kwekuteye 6, Caperal 5, Nelle 3, Manganti 2, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Santos 0, Escandor 0</p><p style="text-align:left"><strong>QUARTERS:</strong> 14-17, 45-30, 70-57, 87-81</p><div style="text-align:left"><strong><br/></strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:left"><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A95F92ANqdo??si=n02ZLKXiaFplQA-w&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>NLEX got challenged late but found the composure to hold off Phoenix, 87-81, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. #PBA50 </p>

NLEX got challenged late but found the composure to hold off Phoenix, 87-81, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. #PBA50

PBA: Alas fires 26 as NLEX holds off Phoenix

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PBA: Alas fires 26 as NLEX holds off Phoenix

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 22, 2025 10:13 PM PHT

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Updated Oct 23, 2025 01:22 AM PHT

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Phoenix Fuel Masters

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