ANTIPOLO – NLEX finally put an end to its losing skid, beating Phoenix, 108-94, on Sunday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.
Robert Bolick had 26 points and nine assists while Mike Watkins had 22 points and 18 rebounds as the Road Warriors snapped a five-game slump and stayed in the hunt for a place in the playoffs.
Three more NLEX players scored in double figures with rookie Jonnel Policarpio making 17 points and nine rebounds as the Road Warriors improved to 4-6, tying Magnolia for ninth in the 13-team leaderboard.
The Road Warriors also got headway against the Fuelmasters after 41-25 third quarter with Watkins producing 11 points in that stretch.
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Having already recovered from a viral stomach infection in their prior game against TNT, Bolick put the finishing touches to the win with seven points in the final period.
“I just think everybody had the mindset to contribute for today’s game,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico. “Alam nila kung gaano ka-importante ‘yung laro ngayon. Everybody just had the mindset and will na maka-contribute kahit papaano sa larong ito.”
“Hindi namin kontrolado ‘yung result pero ‘yung chance na manalo today, binigyan nila sarili nila ng tsansa,” said Uichico.
Robbie Herndon shot 5 for 8 from threes to finish with 15 points, while Tony Semerad netted 11 points for the Road Warriors.
Donovan Smith added 36 points and 14 rebounds, while Ricci Rivero had 13 points for the Fuelmasters, who have now lost two in a row after starting 2025 with two straight victories.
The scores:
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, Perkins 8, Muyang 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Garcia 5, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Camacho 0, Ular 0, Daves 0, Verano 0.
Quarters: 25-17; 45-48; 86-73; 108-94.
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