NLEX’s Robert Bolick shoots during Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–NLEX brought out the broom and swept aside Phoenix mercilessly with a 137-89 victory to secure a place in the semifinals of the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Robert Bolick put on an early barrage with 16 of his 23 points in the first quarter as the Road Warriors won their best-of-five quarterfinal series, 3-0, to become the first team to reach the semis.
Bolick’s explosion was marred by three triples and three four-point shots to help propel NLEX to just its third semis appearance in franchise history while breaking a string of quarterfinal disappointments.
Import Deonte Burton had 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Schonny Winston also scored 19, Kevin Alas posted 12 points each and Enoch Valdez chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds for the Road Warriors.
READ: PBA: NLEX holds off Phoenix to move within win of semifinals
The Road Warriors will take on either the Converge FiberXers and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a best-of-five series which starts in December following the fifth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Phoenix saw its campaign end miserably after failing to make it competitive like in the previous two games.
Import Marcellus Earlington scored 19 points, but not enough to stave off elimination for the Fuel Masters, while Ricci Rivero had eight points and three assists but went down with an injury in the first half.
Jason Perkins returned to action after dealing with an Achilles injury, but played just three minutes with three points for the Fuel Masters.