Baser Amer and the rest of the NLEX Road Warriors dismantle the Phoenix Fuel Masters to improve their playoff chances in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
NLEX inched closer to securing the final playoff spot in Group B after torching Phoenix, 104-79, in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate on Friday, Sept. 20.
The Road Warriors ended their four-game losing streak to improve to a 4-5 record for solo fourth, just above the Blackwater Bossing (3-5).
Baser Amer came up big for NLEX with 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting in 14 minutes of play.
Dominant from start to finish, the Road Warriors posted its biggest lead at 94-61 on a quick triple by Robbie Herndon midway in the fourth quarter.
NLEX thus cruised to a comfortable victory, leaving the Fuel Masters with a 1-9 record in a sour end to their campaign.
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In his second game with the Road Warriors, reinforcement DeQuan Jones produced 27 points and seven rebounds. Robert Bolick, meanwhile, had a near-double-double of 19 points and nine assists.
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Sean Manganti paced Phoenix with 13 markers and six rebounds, followed by Tyler Tio with 12 points. However, import Brandone Francis finished with just four markers in 16 minutes of action.
The Road Warriors will take on Brgy. Ginebra as their last elims foe on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Scores:
NLEX 104 — Jones 27, Bolick 19, Amer 14, Valdez 10, Policarpio 8, Nermal 8, Torres 5, Fajardo 4, Herndon 3, Mocon 2, Nieto 2, Semerad 2, Anthony 0, Miranda 0, Marcelo 0, Rodger 0.
Phoenix 79 — Manganti 13, Tio 12, Perkins 11, Sotud 10, Rivero 7, Alejandro 7, Jazul 7, Francis 4, Muyang 3, Ballungay 3, Salado 2, Verano 0, Tuffin 0, Garcia 0, Daves 0, Ular 0.
Quarters: 30-17, 54-37, 83-55, 104-79.