PBA: NLEX ends skid, pushes Blackwater to 18th straight loss

NLEX big man JR Quiñahan. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—NLEX got a huge boost in its march for a quarterfinals spot after a dominant 90-73 win over Blackwater in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Thursday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Road Warriors also stopped their three-game losing streak as they improved to a 5-5 record for the sixth seed.

Sensing a need to establish themselves as early as possible, the Road Warriors ended the first half on a 13-3 run taking a 46-38 lead courtesy of Jericho Cruz’ three-pointer with a couple of seconds left in the second quarter.

That first half lead ultimately proved decisive for the Road Warriors as they never relinquished the lead for the remainder of the game.

“Our mindset was to get 5 wins desperately because that will give us a chance to make the next round,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. “Our plan was to really create distance between us and Blackwater.”

“Blackwater isn’t as weak as it seems, this is a strong team. They’ve had close games against better opponents it just so happened that they will let go in the end game.”

Quinahan from mid-range makes it a 62-52 NLEX lead #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/l6r6Zy2VkG

— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 16, 2021

JR Quiñahan, who didn’t play in the Road Warriors’ loss to NorthPort, had 16 points, eight rebounds, and a block to lead NLEX while Philip Paniamogan added 14 points.

Don Trollano pitched in 12 points, six rebounds, and two steals for NLEX while Kenneth Ighalo and Kevin Alas had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Simon Enciso had a game-high 17 points with seven assists for the Bossing, who dropped their 10th straight game and 18th since the last season.