NLEX completes comeback vs Magnolia, secures twice-to-beat bonus

Playoff-bound NLEX secured a twice-to-beat bonus after completing a come-from-behind victory against Magnolia, 107-99, on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Hotshots led 32-13 before the first period ended but the Road Warriors recovered and trailed 46-44 by halftime.

NLEX then pulled away in the third period as Robert Bolick waxed hot and made 13 points built on two four-pointers in the said period alone. After 36 minutes of action, NLEX was already leading 80-70 before it claimed its biggest advantage, 99-82, with 4:36 left in the fourth quarter, after a Bolick triple. 

The Road Warriors took control of the game and had a 107-91 lead before Magnolia closed the game with back-to-back four pointers from Paul Lee and Jerom Lastimosa.

Bolick had 25 points, nine rebounds, five rebounds, and one block to lead NLEX, while Xyru s Torres had 22 points built on four triples and one four-pointer. Brandon Ramirez, meanwhile, was a rebound shy of a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Jonnel Policarpio and Javee Mocon had 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Zavier Lucero had 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Ian Sangalang had 21 points as Magnolia absorbed its second straight loss after falling to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday.

With the win, NLEX took the solo lead with eight wins and two losses ahead of its final elimination round game against NorthPort on June 11.

Scores:

NLEX 107 – Bolick 25, Torres 22, Ramirez 18, Policarpio 12, Mocon 10, Alas 9, Bahaio 5, Valdez 4, Nieto 2, Semerad 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0.

Magnolia 99 – Lucero 23, Sangalang 21, Lastimosa 17, Lee 16, Ahanmisi 8, Alfaro 4, Dionisio 4, Barroca 2, Navarro 2, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarters: 15-32, 44-46, 80-70, 107-99.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News