PBA: NLEX breezes past Phoenix, secures first Govs’ Cup semis berth

MANILA — NLEX is the first team to advance to the semifinals of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

The Road Warriors blasted Phoenix with a 48-point beating, 137-89, to complete a quarterfinals sweep and make it to the next round on Saturday.

The Jimmy Alapag-coached squad now awaits the winner of the Converge-Rain or Shine series.

Alapag’s wards unleashed a 43-point outburst in the opening frame, while holding the opposing side held to only 21 markers.

They coupled it with a 35-22 second frame, installing a 78-43 halftime lead and pull away.

NLEX’s balanced attack was led by Robert Bolick, who had 23 points that went with four rebounds and five assists, while reinforcement Deonte Burton had 19 points and eight rebounds.

Schonny Winston matched his import’s 19-point output, as Ljay Gonzales and Kevin Alas chipped in 12 markers each for the winning cause.

Meanwhile, it is the end of the road for the Fuel Masters, who snuck into the quarterfinals after a 5-5 win-loss card by the end of the elimination round.

Marcellus Earlington had 19 points and seven rebounds to pace the exiting squad.

NLEX 137 – Bolick 23, Burton 19, Winston 19, Alas 12, Gonzales 12, Valdez 10, Semerad 9, Herndon 9, Gamboa 7, Capulong 6, Torres 4, Marcelo 3, Racal 2, Bahio 2, Nieto 0, Rodger 0

PHOENIX 89 – Earlington 19, Ballungay 16, Mamuyac 11, Tuffin 10, Tio 10, Rivero 8, Cullar 6, Delos Santos 3, Perkins 3, Ando 3, Escandor 0, Santos 0

QUARTERS: 43-21, 78-43, 107-71, 137-89