NLEX wards off Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX went through the wringer before disposing of Phoenix Super LPG, 97-92, in a PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal opener that hardly reflected the combatants’ seedings.

For coach Jimmy Alapag of the Group A No. 1 Road Warriors, a tough battle against the Group B No. 4 Fuel Masters was anything but surprising.

“Phoenix has been a resilient team throughout the conference so it’s expected that they’ll continue to play,” Alapag said of their opponent in the best-of-five series.

“And again, they clawed and fought throughout the game but I thought down the stretch we made big plays especially on the defensive end and cleaned up the rebounds,” he added.

At the forefront of NLEX’ shot-stopping efforts in the heat of Phoenix’ furious rally in the fourth was import Deonte Burton.

Despite nursing five fouls, Burton had two game-saving blocks, first on Kai Ballungay’s close-range attempt that could have cut the NLEX lead to just one at the 2:02 mark then on Gian Mamuyac’s potential equalizer from three with 48 seconds left.

Burton complemented his defensive exploits with a pair of cold-blooded freebies, including the two foul throws in the last 13.8 ticks that sealed the deal.

DB finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three blocks and was complemented by the solid outings of Robert Bolick (20), Schonny Winston (13) and Tony Semerad (11).

Later, TNT stifled Magnolia in a 92-70 romp that gave the defending champion Tropang 5G a 1-0 head start in their race-to-three showdown.

Rondae Hollis Jefferson turned in an all-around game of 26 markers, nine boards, five assists and three steals and spearheaded their breakaway.