NLEX reaches quarter-finals with record 60-point win over Macau
The Road Warriors moved back to the top of Group A with an 8-2 record after beating a short-handed Macau side 138-78.
NLEX secured a quarter-final place in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup by defeating Macau 138-78 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on October 7. The 60-point margin was the largest in league history, and the victory put the Road Warriors alone at the top of Group A.
Schonny Winston scored 25 points, while replacement import Deonte Burton contributed 22. Burton, brought in for the injured DeQuan Jones, also recorded eight assists, 14 rebounds, two blocks and six steals. Robert Bolick added 14 points; Kevin Alas and LJay Gonzales each scored 10.
Burton scored all his points before half-time, when NLEX led 70-43. Winston had 16 by the break. In the third quarter, Winston and Anthony Semerad led an NLEX offence that scored 35 points while Macau managed 18, leaving the Road Warriors ahead 105-61. Xyrus Torres made three consecutive three-pointers late in the game.
Macau was without head coach Marcus Elliott and several key players, including Damian Chongqui, Ramon Cao and Jenning Leung. The Giant Pandas suffered their eighth defeat in 10 games. New import Oscar Lopez finished with 36 points, 13 rebounds and two assists, while Kobey Lam contributed 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
