Simmons explodes for 38 as NLEX takes down Phoenix for fourth straight win

NLEX Road Warriors reinforcement Jonathon Simmons dropped 38 points as they took down the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 98-94, in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Simmons, who is playing his last game for NLEX this conference before heading to China, connected five times from beyond the arc on top of tallying seven boards and five assists.

NLEX had the advantage before Phoenix claimed the lead at the 6:21 mark of the third period. The Road Warriors eventually recovered and ended the said period with a 76-73 advantage.

NLEX led, 96-92, with 18 seconds left in the game before freebies by Kevin Alas off an RR Garcia foul sealed the deal for the Road Warriors.

Anthony Semerad chalked up 18 points while Don Trollano added 11 in NLEX's fourth win in the conference.

Du'Vaughn Maxwell, meanwhile, posted 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in the losing affair for Phoenix to go down to 1-4 in the standings.

NLEX will try to extend their winning streak when they face Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Wednesday, while Phoenix will go against the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday.

The scores:

NLEX 98 – Simmons 38, Semerad 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 14, Trollano 11, Alas 9, Rosales 4, Anthony 3, Pascual 2, Nieto 1.

Phoenix 94 – Maxwell 25, Perkins 17, Jazul 13, Tio 11, Manganti 8, Muyang 6, Lalata 4, Garcia 4, Soyud 4, Lojera 2, Adamos 0, Alejandro 0, Serrano 0, Camacho 0.

Quarters: 32-23, 52-49, 76-73, 98-94.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News