By claiming their eighth win at the expense of Magnolia, Robert Bolick and the rest of NLEX also clinched the first playoff edge in the PBA Philippine Cup.
NLEX coach Jong Uichico struggled for words when he faced reporters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Friday, June 6.
But the multi-titled mentor was simply proud of what his Road Warriors achieved so far after pulling off a 107-99 win over erstwhile co-pacesetter Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
With that, NLEX hiked its mark to 8-2 to grab the solo leadership. It can also now enjoy the first of four twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals.
“Nagugulat lang ako sa team that they’re performing very well. Masaya lang akong nananalo at nabibigyan ng kahulugan 'yong practice, 'yong hirap nila. Nabibigyan sila ng biyaya,” said Uichico.
Robert Bolick led NLEX with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a block, while Xyrus Torres hit four triples for 22 markers.
Brandon Ramirez threw his weight around, collecting 18 points and nine rebounds to give Magnolia’s veteran bigs a run for their money.
But the NLEX victory, that pushed the Hotshots to 7-3, didn’t come easy.
Robert Bolick continues to be the steady presence for the NLEX Road Warriors. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
At the start, the Road Warriors stared at a 13-32 deficit against the Magnolia side that thrived on pressure defense.
It did not take long, however, for NLEX to get its bearings going, dropping a 29-14 bomb in the second period to eventually seize control.
Bolick, Torres and Jonnel Policarpio then conspired in the fourth quarter to bury the Hotshots, 99-82, with still 4:37 remaining.
[ALSO READ: Summer Vacay, Slay! For Xyrus Torres, Switzerland is dream getaway for sightseeing]
Feeling the need to whip up an answer before it’s too late, Magnolia went on a 9-2 run capped by Zavier Lucero’s triple to trim the lead to 10, 91-101.
Though Paul Lee and Jerom Lastimosa scored seven more points after that, that hardly made a dent.
Lucero paced the Hotshots with 23 points, 12 rebounds, an assist and two blocks. Ian Sangalang added 21 markers, three boards and two assists.
[ALSO READ: Simon Enciso aims to prove worth for TNT: 'To show them that they made the right choice']
NLEX vs. Magnolia scores:
NLEX 107 – Bolick 25, Torres 22, Ramirez 18, Policarpio 12, Mocon 10, Alas 9, Bahaio 5, Valdez 4, Nieto 2, Semerad 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0.
MAGNOLIA 99 – Lucero 23, Sangalang 21, Lastimosa 17, Lee 16, Ahanmisi 8, Alfaro 4, Dionisio 4, Barroca 2, Navarro 2, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarterscores: 15-32, 44-46, 80-70, 107-99.