MANILA – NLEX ended their four-game losing streak in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup with a commanding 104-79 victory over Phoenix at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
The Road Warriors secured their fourth win in nine games, surpassing Blackwater (3-5) in the Group B standings, who are also vying for a playoff spot.
“They understand how crucial this game was for us, but it’s not automatic that we’ll make it. It still depends on Blackwater, but they know the importance of this win,” NLEX head coach Jong Uichico said in the postgame interview.
NLEX set the tone early, outscoring Phoenix 30-17 in the first quarter. DeQuan Jones led the charge with 27 points and seven rebounds, while Robert Bolick contributed 19 points, nine assists, and five rebounds.
Sean Manganti and Tyler Tio paced Phoenix with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
NLEX will face Barangay Ginebra next on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum, with a potential playoff berth at stake.
Final Scores:
NLEX 104 – Jones 27, Bolick 19, Amer 14, Valdez 10, Policarpio 8, Nermal 8, Torres 5, Fajardo 4, Herndon 3, Mocon 2, Nieto 2, Semerad 2, Anthony 0, Miranda 0, Marcelo 0, Rodger 0
PHOENIX 79 – Manganti 13, Tio 12, Perkins 11, Sotud 10, Rivero 7, Alejandro 7, Jazul 7, Francis 4, Muyang 3, Ballungay 3, Salado 2, Verano 0, Tuffin 0, Garcia 0, Daves 0, Ular 0
Quarters: 30-17, 54-37, 83-55, 104-79