NLEX beats Phoenix 124-117 to take 2-0 quarter-final lead
Schonny Winston scored a career-best 31 points, matching Robert Bolick, as the Road Warriors moved within one win of a series sweep.
NLEX took control of its PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup quarter-final series by defeating Phoenix 124-117 at Ynares Center Antipolo on October 28. The top seeds now lead the best-of-five contest 2-0, the first time the franchise has held that advantage.
Schonny Winston and Robert Bolick each contributed 31 points. Winston's total was a career high, while Bolick also recorded six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Deonte Burton added 24 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
Phoenix led 72-68 at half-time and remained ahead 94-93 after three quarters. Marcellus Earlington later made a basket to bring the teams level at 101-101 early in the fourth.
Winston then helped NLEX outscore Phoenix 15-6 to establish a 116-107 advantage. Phoenix cut the gap to five points before consecutive Burton jump shots put the Road Warriors ahead 120-111.
NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag said he challenged his players to improve defensively after they conceded 72 first-half points. Phoenix scored 45 points after the interval.
Earlington finished with 22 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix, while Ricci Rivero and Kai Ballungay contributed 21 points apiece.
