MANILA — NLEX Road Warriors turned a tightly contested battle into a 32-point demolition, unleashing an astonishing 82-point second-half offensive barrage to crush Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 147-115, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Road Warriors overwhelmed their opponents with a devastating third-quarter surge before sustaining their scoring rampage in the final period, securing their ninth victory in 11 games to strengthen their position in Group A.
Import Deonte Burton spearheaded NLEX’s balanced attack with 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks, while five other Road Warriors scored in double figures.
Robert Bolick Jr. fired 20 points, Kevin Alas contributed 19, and LJay Gonzales added 17. Robbie Herndon chipped in 16 markers, while Xyrus Torres finished with 12.
Titan Ultra initially threatened to pull off an upset, racing to a 27-22 advantage after the opening quarter behind its aggressive offensive start.
NLEX, however, found its rhythm in the second period, erupting for 43 points to erase the deficit and force a 65-all deadlock at halftime.
The Road Warriors then completely seized control after the break, tightening their defense while unleashing a relentless scoring assault that left the Giant Risers struggling to respond.
NLEX outscored Titan Ultra, 37-14, in the third quarter to establish a commanding 102-79 advantage entering the final frame.
There was no letup in the fourth period as the Road Warriors poured in another 45 points to complete the lopsided victory.
Joshua Munzon carried Titan Ultra with a game-high 33 points, while import Tirell Brown Jr. delivered 29. Aris Dionisio added 16 markers for the Giant Risers, who absorbed their ninth defeat against only two victories.
KING EXPLODES FOR 44 AS SAN MIGUEL ROUTS TERRAFIRMA
Meanwhile, import George King unleashed a spectacular 44-point performance, powering San Miguel Beermen to a convincing 135-105 demolition of Terrafirma Dyip.
King torched the opposition with four four-point baskets and three three-pointers while collecting five rebounds and five assists as the Beermen improved to an 8-3 record in Group A.
The explosive import received strong support from eight-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, who dominated the paint with 25 points and 13 rebounds.
Jaymar Perez provided additional firepower with 22 points, while Celedonio Trollano contributed 13 markers as San Miguel cruised to its eighth victory in 11 outings.
Terrafirma struggled to contain the Beermen’s high-powered offense despite a 28-point performance from Justine Strings.
Maverick Ahanmisi added 23 points, while Shawn Umali and Juami Tiongson contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The defeat dropped the Dyip to a 4-7 record, further complicating their campaign in the conference./PN
