NLEX holds off Blackwater, extends win streak to three

NLEX held off Blackwater, 80-72, as it notched its third straight win in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

The Bossing were trailing 71-66 with less than three minutes remaining before Robert Bolick drilled a triple to widen the margin. Bradwyn Guinto answered with his own basket, but Kevin Alas put NLEX at 76 against Blackwater's 68. Guinto again scored before fouling on Xyrus Torres where the latter handed a 78-70 lead with 19 seconds left. Guinto's foul on Bolick put the latter on the line where he sealed the win.

Bolick had 20 points along with seven rebounds, six assists, and a steal, while JB Bahio had 12 points, 8 boards, three assists and a steal as the Road Warriors improved to 3-1.

BJ Andrade led the Bossing with 15 points, while RK Ilagan and Guinto had 14 and 13 points, respectively as Blackwater slipped to 1-3.

Scores:

NLEX 80 – Bolick 20, Bahio 12, Fajardo 10, Alas 10, Semerad 9, Nieto 5, Torres 5, Ramirez 4, Policarpio 3, Mocon 2, Rodger 0, Herndon 0.

Blackwater 72 – Andrade 15, Ilagan 14, Guinto 13, Ayonayon 9, Casio 5, Chua 5, Escoto 5, Mallilin 4, Tratter 2, Mitchell 0, Caperal 0, David 0.

Quarters: 10-17, 36-28, 52-50, 80-72.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News