NLEX's JB Bahio in action. PBA Images
ANTIPOLO, Rizal — NLEX continues its winning ways in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
The Road Warriors secured their third win in a row by routing Blackwater, 99-88, on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
They were coming from back-to-back victories against Phoenix and Meralco.
Jong Uichico's wards took control of the match and led by as much as 15 points midway through, until the Bossing came alive in the third frame, unleashing a 13-2 run capped by a Jack Cruz-Dumont basket to be within four points, 64-60, at the 2:45 mark.
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David Murrell and Richard Escoto completed a four-point run to pull Blackwater within three just before the third quarter ended, 69-66, but Javee Mocon was there to give NLEX some breathing room, converting a layup to make it a 71-66 ballgame in their favor entering the fourth canto.
Brandon Ramirez, Kevin Alas, and Robert Herndon made sure to expand that lead to 79-66 early in the payoff period, banking on eight unanswered points to pull away once more.
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This win earns the Road Warriors a 4-1 slate to be at the top of the standings, while sending the Bossing down to a 1-3 card, their third straight loss.
JB Bahio had an efficient night, firing 23 points on 11-15 clip to lead all scorers, while having six rebounds and two assists.
"[Naging] composed lang kami, ginawa lang namin 'yung mga plays namin—tamang plays, hindi nagmamadali, ikot ng bola, at pinupuntahan namin 'yung point of attack namin," said Bahio during the postgame press conference.
Xyrus Torres complemented that with 18 points, while Robert Bolick had a double-double of 15 points and 12 assists.
On the other hand, Sedrick Barefield had 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for Blackwater, as Dalph Panopio dropped 12 markers and five boards for the losing cause.
NLEX stakes its winning run against Ginebra on November 2, while Blackwater aims to bounce back versus Titan Ultra on Nov. 5.
The Scores:
NLEX – Bahio 23, Torres 18, Bolick 15, Alas 13, Ramirez 9, Rodger 9, Mocon 6, Nieto 2, Herndon 2, Policarpio 0, Semerad 0, Fajardo 0
BLACKWATER – Barefield 19, Ponopio 12, Tratter 9, David 9, Mallilin 7, Cruz-Dumont 6, Esccoto 6, Murrell 6, Guinto 5, Mendoza 3, Zamar 3, Andrade 3
QUARTERS: 27-21, 47-37, 71-66, 99-88