At the conclusion of the eliminations on Sunday night at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, NLEX earned a PBA quarterfinal place by holding off a fierce comeback by Barangay Ginebra, 76-72.

Even though the Road Warriors were down 13 points in the fourth quarter, they were not sure they would win until Von Pessumal committed an inbounds penalty with 3.3 seconds remaining and the Kings behind by only two points.

The Road Warriors eventually snapped a four-game losing streak when Richie Rodger made two free throws for the insurance basket.

The Road Warriors, who are ranked sixth, will now play the Meralco Bolts, who are ranked third, in a best-of-three quarter final series.

With 25 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, Robert Bolick led all NLEX players in scoring, with newcomer Richie Rodger scoring 11 points.

However, the Road Warriors hit 13 three-pointers to the Kings’ three, including the final one of the game from Bolick, which gave the team its largest lead of 71-58 with 7:43 remaining in the contest.

With 32 seconds remaining, Maverick Ahanmisi’s two free throws gave the Kings a 72-73 lead. The Kings subsequently took control of the game, outscoring the Road Warriors 13-2 over the following six minutes.

After splitting his free throws, Baser Amer put NLEX ahead by two points, and Ginebra coach Tim Cone signaled a timeout for the team’s last possession.

With 7:08 left and NLEX leading by 12, Christian Stanhardinger led Barangay Ginebra with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists before being replaced.

The Scores

NLEX 76 –  Bolick 25, Rodger 11, Herndon 9, Miranda 8, Semerad 8, Amer 7, Anthony 4, Marcelo 4, Fajardo 0, Valdez 0, Taha 0.

Ginebra 72 – Standhardinger 19, J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 14, Pringle 7, Cu 5, Thompson 4, Tenorio 2, Pessumal 2, Onwubere 2, David 0, Pinto 0, Murrell 0.

Quarter scores: 23-16; 35-32; 59-54; 76-72.