NLEX into last four

Road Warriors sweep Fuel Masters

MANILA, Philippines — Making it a nightmarish Halloween gig for Phoenix, NLEX took the fastest route into the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup semifinals.

Committed to ending the race-to-three quarterfinal series in Game 3, the Road Warriors hit overdrive right in the opening period to seal the deal with 137-89 romp last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The 48–point verdict, which came after a pair of tight victories, 97-92 and 124-117, sent NLEX into its first Final Four appearance since the Season 46 edition of the Governors’ Cup in 2021-22.

It marked their first semis under debuting coach Jimmy Alapag and only the third overall for the franchise since joining the league in 2014.

Alapag’s troops will face the winner of the Last-8 duel between Rain or Shine and Converge, which is currently tied at 1-1, in another best-of-five dispute beginning Dec. 4.

Robert Bolick was the “Halloween killer” on the loose, starting the carnage with his 16-point barrage spiked by an insane 2-of-2 clip from the three and 2-of-3 from four that powered NLEX to a 43-21 tear.

“Sabi nga ni coach, bihirang-bihira yung ganitong opportunity, kailangang samantalahin namin,” said Bolick, who finished 23 to go with five assists and four rebounds in leading NLEX’ closeout efforts.

Bolick said he was actually channeling the playoff attitude of Alapag during his heydays.