NLEX beats Phoenix 97-92 to take quarter-final series lead
Phoenix closed a 15-point deficit to one, but late free throws helped the top seeds clinch the first game of the best-of-five contest.
NLEX opened its PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup quarter-final campaign with a 97-92 victory over Phoenix at Ynares Center Antipolo on October 25. Deonte Burton contributed 27 points and 11 rebounds as the top-seeded Road Warriors resisted a late comeback.
Phoenix had trailed by 15 before threatening to overturn the deficit in the fourth quarter. A Ken Tuffin jumper made it 90-89, only for NLEX to stretch its advantage back to six points.
Marcellus Earlington and Tuffin helped Phoenix close the gap again, bringing the score to 94-92 with 22 seconds left. Ljay Gonzales and Burton then contributed three free throws between them to complete the scoring and give NLEX the lead in the best-of-five series.
Burton also recorded three blocks, three steals and two assists. Robert Bolick supplied 20 points alongside four assists and four rebounds, with Schonny Winston contributing 13 points and Tony Semerad adding 11.
Ricci Rivero was Phoenix's leading scorer with 24 points and also provided five assists. Kai Ballungay added 20 points, while Earlington finished with 14 after playing 42 minutes.
