NLEX sweeps Phoenix, seals semis spot

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX threw its full offensive might against Phoenix to register an emphatic 137-89 win and advance to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup semifinals on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Leading Best Player of the Conference candidate Robert Bolick went on a scoring rampage after scoring 20 of his 23 points in the first half as the Road Warriors erected an insurmountable 78-43 halftime lead. That 35-point halftime lead took the life out of the Fuel Masters, who fell by as many as 50 points en route to being swept in three games. Bolick’s solid effort was marked by three shots made from four-point zone, and three more from three-point country. The former San Beda standout added four rebounds and five assists in just 24 minutes of work as NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag used his bench from thereon. Schonny Winston and import Deonte Burton scored 19 points while Kevin Alas and LJay Gonzales chipped in 12 each in a balanced scoring attack for the Road Warriors, who finally made it back to the Final Four since last making it in 2021 under Yeng Guiao. Marcellus Earlington and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 19 and 16 points.