PBA: NLEX escapes Ginebra to seal QF ticket

NLEX completed a stunner against second-seeded Barangay Ginebra, 76-72, to clinch the seventh seat in the playoff round of the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Road Warriors banked on Robert Bolick to end their elimination round campaign at 6-5 while Ginebra went down to a 7-4 card but is still assured of a twice-to-beat edge.

Bolick poured in an all-around outing of 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and a steal as NLEX make it to the post-season this time after missing out last conference.

Providing the lift were Richie Rodger and Robert Herndon with the former pouring in 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists while the latter churned out nine markers and six boards.

With the win by the Road Warriors, Terrafirma and NorthPort will slug it out in a playoff battle on Wednesday to determine which squad will complete the quarterfinals cast.

The Dyip and the Batang Pier both feature a 5-6 slate.

Scores:

NLEX 76 – Bolick 25, Rodger 11, Herndon 9, Miranda 8, Semerad 8, Amer 7, Anthony 4, Marcelo 4, Fajardo 0, Valdez 0, Taha 0.

Ginebra 72 –Standhardinger 19, J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 14, Pringle 7, Cu 5, Thompson 4, Tenorio 2, Pessumal 2, Onwubere 2, David 0, Pinto 0, Murrell 0.

Quarters: 23-16, 35-32, 59-54, 76-72.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News