NLEX Secures Solo Lead with 99-88 Victory over Blackwater in PBA Season 50

NLEX has claimed the sole lead in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup following a hard-fought 99-88 triumph over Blackwater on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The Road Warriors showcased a balanced offensive effort, with JB Bahio, Xyrus Torres, Robert Bolick, and Kevin Alas each contributing significantly to secure the team’s third straight victory.

Bahio spearheaded the attack, tallying 23 points alongside six rebounds and two assists. Torres and Bolick also made notable impacts, posting 18 and 15 points respectively, with Bolick adding 12 assists and five rebounds to his stat line. This win allowed NLEX to break away from a five-way tie among teams holding 3-1 records and claim the top spot outright.

Blackwater, meanwhile, dropped to a 1-3 record after suffering their third consecutive loss. Despite trailing 47-37 at halftime, Blackwater rallied in the third quarter. A timely three-pointer from David Murrell narrowed the gap to four points at 65-69, presenting a challenge to the Road Warriors.

NLEX managed to maintain a slim five-point lead entering the final quarter thanks to a layup by Javee Mocon, putting the score at 66-71. The Road Warriors then ignited an 8-0 run early in the fourth period sparked by a three-pointer from Brandon Ramirez, stretching their advantage to 79-66.

Bahio continued to energize the offense, scoring seven consecutive points including a three-point play assisted by Bolick. This surge propelled NLEX to an 87-74 lead with under six minutes remaining. Additional three-pointers from Bolick and Torres, combined with late contributions from Alas and Bahio, sealed the outcome.

After the game, NLEX head coach Jong Uichico acknowledged the team's struggles with consistency during games. "We always have that lull in a certain game. May lull palagi kami. So you know, we've got to find out why there is a lull somewhere in the game," Uichico said, adding, "In the past games, laging nakakahabol ang kalaban and then we had to overcome that. Maybe we should be able to find out bakit may lull kami."

Leading Blackwater was Sedrick Barefield, who posted 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Rookie Dalph Panopio contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists, but it wasn’t enough to halt Blackwater’s slide.