In Wednesday night’s PBA Philippine victory over Barangay Ginebra, SCOTTIE Thompson wasn’t going to deny NLEX their chance.

The former MVP was not shocked when NLEX held the Kings scoreless in the final 74 seconds after seizing the lead for the final time since he knew the Road Warriors were now the conference’s top defensive club.

The Kings overcame a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter thanks to the heroic performances of Thompson and the tumultuous shooting of sophomore guard Stephen Holt, but the Road Warriors managed to weather the storm.

At Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Thompson’s jump shot with 1:14 remaining ended the game’s final stalemate and gave Ginebra its final victory, 86-84.

However, in the final 49 seconds, youngster Xyrus Torres displayed some ice in his veins by making a corner three that put NLEX up 87-86.

“Sayang, that’s all we can say,” said the veteran guard, who finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

“For us there’s no excuse tulad ng sinabi ko. Siyempre shoulders’ down kasi talo kami. But mahaba pa yung conference and we still have time to bawi. Let’s see. For now, move on and then prepare for our next game since it’s an out-of-town game.”

This Saturday at San Fernando, Pampanga, Barangay Ginebra will play Converge in the second provincial round of the All-Filipino Conference.

Previously, almost unnoticed during Barangay Ginebra’s 101-80 thumping of Terrafirma on Wednesday night in the PBA Philippine Cup was Scottie Thompson reaching yet another season-long career high.

According to head statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the former MVP recorded his 500th steal to win the guard’s third Career Achievement Award for Season 49.

When Thompson stopped a pass from Aljun Melecio and helped set up a layup by Japeth Aguilar, the Kings took a 55-35 lead just 48 seconds into the second half.

The 31-year-old Thompson, who earlier in the season also achieved 2,000 defensive rebounds and 2,000 assists, achieved yet another milestone.

With an all-around performance of 11 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, the University of Perpetual Help alumnus rounded off the memorable evening.

The historic record was another blessing, he said.