NLEX welcomes ‘long shot’ in playoff hunt after halting 5-game skid

Led by Robert Bolick, NLEX wins for the first time in over a month as it breathes new life into its bid to make the Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines – A month-long dry spell finally ended for NLEX on Sunday, January 19, as it earned a 108-94 win over Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Robert Bolick delivered 26 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds for the Road Warriors, who halted a five-game losing streak and won again since it beat San Miguel on December 8.

Import Mike Watkins posted 22 points and 18 rebounds, with half of his scoring output coming in a third-quarter turnaround that saw NLEX swing a 45-48 halftime deficit to an 86-73 lead going into the final salvo.

The Road Warriors were hardly threatened the rest of the way as Bolick hit timely buckets in the fourth period, including 5 straight that gave his side a 105-92 lead with under three minutes remaining.

Jonnel Policarpio chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds for NLEX, which boosted its playoff bid by clinching its fourth win in 10 games.

The road to the quarterfinals, though, is only bound to get tougher for the Road Warriors as they face Rain or Shine (6-3) and guest team Eastern (7-3) in their last two games.

“We know it’s a long shot, but at least, we have a shot. That’s all we can rely on, that we have a shot,” said NLEX head coach Jong Uichico. “We will take every chance we can get to make the next round.”

“I know some are under our control, some are not, but still, we have an opportunity.”

Robbie Herndon and Tony Semerad added 15 and 11 points, respectively, in the victory.

Import Donovan Smith put the Fuel Masters on his back with 36 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks, but Phoenix fizzled out en route to a second straight defeat and a 3-7 record.

Ricci Rivero ended up as the only other Fuel Masters player in double-figure scoring with 13 points.

NLEX 108 – Bolick 26, Watkins 22, Policarpio 17, Herndon 15, Semerad 11, Torres 9, Ramirez 5, Nieto 3, Mocon 0.

Phoenix 94 – Smith 36, Rivero 13, Muyang 8, Perkins 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.

Quarters: 25-17, 45-48, 86-73, 108-94.

– Rappler.com

Got comments, questions, or insights about this story? Head to the sports chat room of the Rappler Communities app, available for iOS, Android, or web. Access our chat rooms by tapping the Community tab on the app. See you there!