NLEX extended its winning streak to a franchise-best six games on Friday after beating Converge, 88-83, in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena.
Robert Bolick knocked down crucial shots in the end game to douse a Converge rally as NLEX improved to 6-1 (win-loss) and caught idle Magnolia for a share of first place.
“Alam naman namin na malakas ‘yung Converge. They’ve been playing so well. We needed to find the extras ... malakas sila umiskor, malakas sila dumepensa. And the players did their job in finding that extra,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico.
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Bolick finished with 19 points and 10 assists for the Road Warriors. His three-pointer and fadeaway shot came in a critical 7-2 run that turned an 81-78 lead into an 88-80 advantage with 2:20 left.
Xyrus Torres added 18 points while shooting 5-of-8 from threes, while Javee Mocon and Tony Semerad had 10 apiece, with Mocon grabbing seven rebounds.
Justine Baltazar finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for Converge, which fell to 5-4.
NLEX led by as many as 18 points, 76-58, late in the third quarter, but Converge made a comeback that included a 10-0 run to start the fourth quarter.
Eventually, the Road Warriors were able to regain their rhythm and held on despite being outscored, 23-12, in the fourth quarter.
The scores:
NLEX 88 – Bolick 19, Torres 18, Mocon 10, Semerad 10, Bahio 9, Ramirez 8, Fajardo 6, Alas 5, Herndon 3, Nieto 0.
Converge 83 – Baltazar 21, Stockton 17, Winston 16, Arana 12, Garcia 9, Delos Santos 3, Suerte 3, Corpuz 2, Nermal 0, Caralipio 0, Racal 0, R. Santos 0, B. Santos 0.
Quarters: 31-23; 52-42; 76-60; 88-83
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