PBA: Surging NLEX overpowers Titan Ultra to go 3-0

Red-hot NLEX continued its blazing start in the new conference, overpowering Titan Ultra in a commanding 135-100 victory on Tuesday to remain unbeaten in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup at the Ynares Antipolo.

The Road Warriors, fresh off a narrow one-point escape against Terrafirma, made sure there would be no collapse this time as they cruised to a 3-0 record and seized the Group A lead.

Meanwhile, the Giant Risers dropped to 0-3 despite finally fielding an import.

Schonny Winston and Robert Bolick, who were limited to 13 and 12 points, respectively, in that 101-100 win over the Dyip last Sunday, bounced back tonight by dropping big numbers with 30 and 29 points.

Winston also added nine rebounds and six assists while Bolick had seven boards and four dimes.

NLEX import DeQuan Jones was also huge with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists as the Road Warriors continued to impress in the Jimmy Alapag era.

"I think we're getting a lot of contributions from different guys. Obviously, Berto and Schonny are a big part of what we do. I think they're two of the top guards in the league," Alapag said.

"Their aggressiveness early in the game set the tone. Si DJ, he's been solid these past three games as we need him to be. But I'm really happy with the effort from the entire group."

Just like in their first two games, the Road Warriors came out firing early again by building a commanding 61-43 halftime lead as Titan Ultra struggled to keep pace despite a 20-point first-half effort from debuting import Tirrell Dwayne Brown II.

Titan Ultra finally fielded an import after starting the conference without one, having lost its first two games to Terrafirma and Converge.

Still, it was not enough to overcome NLEX.

Brown II finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds while Roi Sumang, who sparked Titan Ultra's third-quarter comeback attempt that pulled them to within 13, posted 18 markers.

The scores:

NLEX 135 - Winston 30, Bolick 29, Jones 22, Alas 14, Herndon 7, Gonxales 6, Semerad 6, Bahio 4, Capulong 4, Gamboa 4, Valdez 4, Racal 3, Nieto 2, Rodger 0, Ramirez 0, Torres 0.

Titan 100 - Brown 27, Sumang 18, Munzon 17, Sajonia 11, Omega 7, Dionisio 5, Javillonar 4, Yu 3, Amores 2, Ular 2, Ambohot 2, Caralipio 0, Cuntapay 0, Inigo 0.

Quarters: 30-24, 61-43, 97-82, 135-100.

—JMB, GMA News