PBA: NLEX surges past Titan Ultra for win no. 9

MANILA — NLEX hit win no. 9 on Wednesday after a 32-point drubbing of also-ran Titan Ultra, 147-115, ahead of its blockbuster rematch against San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

A 65-all halftime score, the Road Warriors surged past the opposition in the second half, banking on a 37-14 third quarter and a 45-point final frame to eventually tally a huge win.

“Very happy with our second half effort. Very unhappy about how we played in the first half. I was not happy and I made that very clear to our team,” said NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag during the postgame press conference, sharing how he motivated his team to regain their form.

When the dust settled, six NLEX players were in double-digit territory, led by Deonte Burton who had 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Robert Bolick led the local charge with 20 markers and eight dimes.

Kevin Alas shot 6-of-7 on the field en route to a 19-point outing, while Ljay Gonzales had 17, and Robert Herndon chipped in 16.

On the other hand, Joshua Munzon paced the losing Titan side with 33 points.

NLEX 147 – Burton 21, Bolick 20, Alas 19, Gonzales 17, Herndon 16, Torres 12, Winston 9, Semerad 9, Rodger 6, Marcelo 4, Bahio 3, Capulong 3, Gamboa 2, Racal 0, Nieto 0

TITAN 115 – Munzon 33, Brown 29, Dionisio 16, Javillonar 9, Yu 7, Garcia 6, Inigo 6, Caralipio 3, Ular 2, Omega 2, Amores 2, Deles 0, Wong 0, Pessumal 0

QUARTERS: 22-27, 65-65, 102-79, 147-115