NLEX halts three-game slump, deals Blackwater 26th straight loss

The NLEX Road Warriors finally got back to their winning ways as they hacked out a 117-97 victory  over still struggling Blackwater in the PBA Governors' Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was a total team effort for NLEX but import KJ McDaniel stood at the forefront with a double-double showing of 24 points, including two free throws that gave them their biggest lead, 86-60, and 11 rebounds.

The American reinforcement also chipped in five assists, four blocks, and a steal as NLEX remained without usual gunners Calvin Oftana, Tony Semerad, and Mike Miranda.

Guard Jericho Cruz was also a key cog, drilling 22 markers and five dimes while Kevin Alas posted a statline of 15 and 6.

Blackwater will further slip to 0-7 in the season-ending conference after they endured a 26th consecutive loss dating back to the 2020 Philippine Cup.

It was all NLEX right from get-go, putting together a 34-14 cushion after the first while erecting a 58-41 lead at the half with McDaniels scoring 15 of his overall output.

Blackwater made some runs in the third with import Shawn Glover exploding for 14 points in that frame alone. It was, however, not enough as the Bossing were still behind after 36 minutes, 92-76.

NLEX, ironically the last team that Blackwater had beaten before its dry spell, did not look back after that en route to the win. Blackwater ran away with a 98-88 win over NLEX during the 2020 All-Filipino tournament but had lost all 26 of their matches since then.

The Scores:

NLEX 117 - McDaniels 24, Cruz 22, Rosales 18, Alas 15, Trollano 11, Murrell 7, Quiñahan 6, Nieto 5, Magat 4, Galanza 3, Soyud 2, Paniamogan 0, Varilla 0, Porter 0, Ighalo 0.

Blackwater 97 - Ayonayon 11, Amer 8, Mccarthy 7, Baloria 5, Escoto 4, Ebona 3, Desiderio 3, Washington 2, Amboludto 2, Melton 2, Chauca 0, Paras 0, Casio 0.

Quarters: 34-14, 58-41, 92-76, 117-97.

—JMB, GMA News