PBA: NLEX chases playoff bonus subsequent

Robert Bolick (with ball) nonetheless will get away with 20 issues in spite of being stressed by way of Phoenix all sport. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

NLEX finished the quarterfinal solid within the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum after its 105-95 win over Phoenix, additionally shoved 3 groups into the following segment of the league’s maximum necessary event.

With that, the Road Warriors at the moment are going to attempt at one thing larger with probably the most 4 twice-to-beat incentives that may reinforce their name possibilities up for grabs getting into the overall two weeks of the eliminations.

Coach Jong Uichico, on the other hand, has one thing to indicate, even supposing the outcome would see his squad get an abnormal position within the best 4.

“If we’re in the top four, it means that the teams at the bottom [four] are stronger,” mentioned Uichico. “But when you’re within the backside 4, we can nonetheless face more potent groups. So without reference to our place, we’re up for a large activity.

“But of course, we like to have that twice-to-beat so we can have that advantage going into the playoffs,” added Uichico.

The victory, which got here with some tough patches in opposition to a made up our minds Phoenix facet, gave NLEX a 7-2 document going into the overall two video games in opposition to pacesetter Magnolia and NorthPort.

Magnolia used to be enjoying Barangay Ginebra at press time. The Hotshots and the Road Warriors sq. off on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

But an important a part of the end result used to be that the Gin Kings didn’t wish to sweat it out, at the side of TNT and Rain or Shine, to assert their position within the quarters as Phoenix fell to 2-7 to transform the fourth and closing group to be eradicated.

Ginebra, TNT and Rain or Shine had equivalent 5-3 slates ahead of the doubleheader started.

Magnolia had a 7-1 document ahead of the renewal of its so-called “Manila Clasico” sequence with Ginebra; San Miguel Beer is at 6-2, Converge 6-4 whilst protecting champion Meralco ended classification at 6-5.

Covering for Bolick

Javee Mocon’s 23 issues and 9 rebounds have been a number of the keys to the win, which NLEX hopes may also be sustained going into the homestretch of the eliminations. Mocon has been one among quite a lot of avid gamers all over the marketing campaign, offering necessary duvet for Road Warriors major guy Robert Bolick.

Bolick had 20 issues, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the Road Warriors.

JB Bahio posted 15 issues and 5 rebounds, veteran Tony Semerad dropped 14 and Xyrus Torres added 13.

Jason Perkins dropped 28 issues with seven rebounds and 3 assists because the Fuel Masters hope to complete the season on a vivid observe.

Phoenix wraps up its Season 49 stint in opposition to NorthPort on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena and Blackwater on June 13 at Ninoy Aquino. INQ