NLEX got back to its winning ways and enhanced its chances at twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals by repulsing Phoenix, 105-95, on Sunday in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup.
Javee Mocon had 23 points and nine rebounds, Robert Bolick added 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, and the Road Warriors took solo second with a 7-2 win-loss record by bouncing back from a loss to Meralco last May 25 that snapped a six-game winning streak.
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Phoenix dropped to 2-7 and was ousted from quarterfinal contention. Its elimination also completed the quarterfinal cast made up of NLEX, Magnolia, San Miguel, Barangay Ginebra, TNT, Rain or Shine, Converge, and Meralco.
NLEX coach Jong Uichico was glad the players stepped up while without injured players Enoch Valdez, Richie Rodger, and Michael Miranda.
“I appreciate the effort that the players brought out today na maski kulang kulang, extra minutes sila naglaro, walang pahinga, they still gave their utmost effort maski na medyo offensively, things weren’t falling our way,” said Uichico.
The game was tied at 64 until NLEX went on a 9-0 run to take control for good. Mocon had eight points in the fourth quarter including a short stab that made it a 95-85 lead on his way to his highest point output as a Road Warrior.
JB Bahio had 15 points, while Xyrus Torres added 13 points while shooting 3 of 6 from threes after being limited to only three markers against the Hotshots.
Jason Perkins had 28 points in a losing cause for Phoenix.
The scores:
NLEX 105 – Mocon 23, Bolick 20, Bahio 15, Semerad 14, Torres 13, Nieto 8, Ramirez 6, Alas 3, Herndon 3.
Phoenix 95 – Perkins 28, Tuffin 17, Ballungay 11, Tio 11, Garcia 11, Rivero 6, Camacho 4, Jazul 3, Manganti 2, Ular 2, Cullar 0, Soyud 0, Alejandro 0, Verano 0, Daves 0.
Quarters: 32-25; 55-47; 80-74; 105-95.
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