Before the NLEX-Magnolia clash, Phoenix will also gun for a share of the early lead in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
Import Cady Lalanne will again be under the spotlight when the NLEX Road Warriors take on the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, March 15 at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
The Road Warriors collide with the Hotshots at 7:30 p.m., right after the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
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NLEX heads into the contest riding high after a thrilling 84-81 come-from-behind victory over the Blackwater Bossing to open its campaign.
The Road Warriors erased a 16-point deficit behind the late-game brilliance of Robert Bolick, who finished with 24 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.
Bolick delivered the biggest shots down the stretch, erupting for 14 points in the fourth quarter while igniting a decisive 12-0 run that swung the momentum to NLEX. His go-ahead three-pointer in the dying seconds ultimately sealed the dramatic win.
Lalanne also made a solid first impression in his debut, tallying 24 points and 16 rebounds along with an assist, a steal, and two blocks.
Still, NLEX coach Jong Uichico believes his import has yet to show his full potential.
“He needs rhythm. This is the first official basketball game of Cady,” said Uichico. “He put up naman decent numbers. But at the end of the day he needs to produce more. That’s my opinion.”
Uichico expects Lalanne to gradually improve as he gains more game rhythm, especially with tougher matchups ahead.
The 33-year-old will be tested anew against Magnolia’s South Sudanese reinforcement Nuni Omot, who is expected to anchor the Hotshots on both ends.
Magnolia, meanwhile, is eager to bounce back after absorbing a heartbreaking 101-98 loss to Phoenix in its conference opener.
The Hotshots had their chances late but ultimately fell short, putting added urgency on their matchup with the Road Warriors.
In the opening game, Phoenix shoots for a 2-0 start when it faces Titan, which is trying to recover from its own opening defeat.
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The Fuel Masters leaned on import James Dickey in their victory over Magnolia, and the hardworking big man is expected to again play a central role.
Dickey delivered a monster performance in that win, finishing with 20 points and a whopping 26 rebounds while also contributing five assists, a steal, and a block.
Titan Ultra, on the other hand, is determined to bounce back after dropping its conference debut to the Terrafirma Dyip.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]