NLEX blasts Titan Ultra, boosts top seed bid

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX stepped on the gas in the last two quarters to pulverize Titan Ultra, 147-115 for its ninth win in 11 starts, putting the team in a better position to seal the top seed in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup playoffs. The Road Warriors exploded for 37 and 45 points in the second half, thanks to their firepower that came from the bench that sent the Giant Risers reeling to their ninth loss against just two victories, thus tying the Macau Giant Pandas at the bottom of the Group A standings. Deonte Burton, playing in just his second game in an NLEX uniform since replacing injured DeQuan Jones, led the Road Warriors with 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks in a huge all-around effort. Robert Bolick added 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists, Kevin Alas added 19, while rookie LJ Gonzales and Robert Herndon chipped in 17 and 16, respectively. NLEX outrebounded Titan Ultra, 55-40, scored 30 off its opponents’ 16 turnovers. The boys coach coach Jimmy Alapag also held a massive 82-37 advantage in bench points. Titan Ultra, already out of playoff running, drew 33 points from Joshua Munzon, while import Tirrell Brown scored 29.