Larry Fonacier scored 17 points, and NLEX stepped up defensively in the second half to beat Barangay Ginebra 81-78 in the PBA Philippine Cup at Cuneta Astrodome on Saturday.

Kiefer Ravena produced his worst game so far of his rookie season, ending up with just 7 points while missing all but 1 of his 12 attempts from the field for NLEX, which snapped its 4-game losing streak and upped its record to 3-4.

Ginebra, which saw the return of Greg Slaughter, fell to a similar record.

Down by as many as 14 points, NLEX tightened its defense after the break, its hard work paying off in the fourth quarter when the Road Warriors took the lead 75-73 on Fonacier's 3-pointer.

With NLEX holding a 79-77 lead, Slaughter, back in action after a hamstring injury forced him to miss 3 games, had a chance to tie the game at the free-throw line.

But Slaughter split his attempts, Alex Mallari secured the rebound, Fonacier made a bonus free throw off a technical foul called on Ginebra's bench, and Ravena sealed the deal with another free throw.

NLEX's bench outscored Ginebra's 48-22, led by JR Quiñahan's 14 points and Cyrus Baguio's 13.

Japeth Aguilar registered 21 points, while Slaughter had 9 points and 12 rebounds for Ginebra.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.