MANILA, Philippines–NLEX kept its composure in the final period to pull out a 104-85 victory and improve to 2-1 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Import Mike Watkins had quite the night with 26 points and 30 rebounds, while Robert Bolick delivered 32 points built on an outrageous 11-for-14 shooting in the triumph at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Up by 25 early, the Road Warriors doused a fierce Terrafirma rally in the payoff frame on the way to scoring a back-to-back victory that should come as a learning experience and a boost when they battle next assignments San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra.
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Vic Manuel had 22 points, while Aljun Melecio and Kevin Ferrer both finished with 10 for Terrafirma which continued to struggle with its 6-foot-11 import Ryan Richards playing poorly with just six points and seven rebounds.
The Dyip has now lost their first three games to open the conference.
The Scores:
NLEX 104 – Bolick 32, Watkins 26, Torres 15, Semerad 13, Rodger 7, Herndon 3, Bahio 2, Fajardo 2, Valdez 2, Alas 2, Mocon 0, Amer 0, Marcelo 0
TERRAFIRMA 85 – Manuel 22, Melecio 10, Ferrer 10, Pringle 9, Zaldivar 7, Nonoy 6, Richards 6, Sangalang 5, Olivario 3, Catapusan 3, Hernandez 2, Paraiso 2, Ramos 0, Hanapi 0
Quarterscores : 27-11, 51-30, 75-62, 104-85.