MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors showed steadiness down the stretch to defeat Blackwater Bossing, 80-72, in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
Robert Bolick Jr. spearheaded the offense with 20 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists as the Road Warriors recorded their third consecutive victory for a 3-1 win-loss slate.
JB Bahio added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Dominick Fajardo and Kevin Alas contributed 10 markers apiece for the Road Warriors.
Holding to a slim 54-53 lead midway through the fourth quarter, the Road Warriors went on an 8-0 blast behind Matt Nieto, Jonnel Policarpio, Fajardo, and Anthony Semerad for a 62-53 edge.
The Bossing managed to cut the deficit to five points several times, but the Road Warriors responded with consecutive three-pointers from Bolick to secure the victory.
“I want to thank Berto for bailing us out in this game. I think he shot two three-pointers (in the endgame) to keep the lead wide,” said NLEX head coach Joseph Uichico after the game. “Credit this win to Berto.”
Bryan Andrade top-scored for the Bossing with 15 points, while RK Ilagan and Bradwyn Guinto added 14 and 13 points, respectively, as they dropped to a 1-3 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Fuel Masters extended TNT Tropang 5G’s misery in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 95-81 victory. Phoenix improved to a 2-3 mark, while the Tropang 5G are still winless in three outings.
Jason Perkins spearheaded the offense for the Fuel Masters with 27 points, Tyler Tio added 16 markers, Kenneth Tuffin and Kai Ballungay contributed 11 points each, and RJ Jazul ended with 10 points.
Calvin Oftana finished with a team-high of 20 pointa, Simon Enciso chipped in 14 markers, while Rey Nambatac and Roger Pogoy had 12 and 10, respectively, as the Tropang 5G remained winless in three games./PN
BOX SCORE :
NLEX 80 – Bolick 20, Bahio 12, Fajardo 10, Alas 10, Semerad 9, Nieto 5, Torres 5, Ramirez 4, Policarpio 3, Mocon 2, Rodger 0, Herndon 0.
BLACKWATER 72 – Andrade 15, Ilagan 14, Guinto 13, Ayonayon 9, Casio 5, Chua 5, Escoto 5, Mallilin 4, Tratter 2, Mitchell 0, Caperal 0, David 0.
Quarterscores: 10-17, 36-28, 52-50, 80-72.
