NLEX sweeps Phoenix to reach first PBA semi-finals since 2022
Robert Bolick scored 23 points as the Road Warriors won 137-89 and advanced to face either Rain or Shine or Converge.
NLEX secured a PBA semi-final place by beating Phoenix 137-89 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on October 31, completing a sweep of their best-of-five quarter-final series in Game 3.
The Road Warriors last reached that stage in the 2021-2022 Governors' Cup, where Barangay Ginebra eliminated them before winning the title. This victory ended NLEX's run of quarter-final exits across at least three conferences.
Robert Bolick led NLEX with 23 points, five assists and four rebounds. Deonte Burton and Schonny Winston contributed 19 points apiece, while Kevin Alas and LJay Gonzales each added 12.
After two narrow wins earlier in the series, NLEX built a 43-21 first-quarter advantage. Bolick hit three four-pointers and two three-pointers during the opening half, while Winston supplied 12 points as the Road Warriors took a 78-43 lead into the break.
NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag praised his players' work ethic, saying everyone arrived at the gym two hours before early-morning practices. The team now awaits either Rain or Shine or Converge, whose series was level at 1-1.
