NLEX overcame Magnolia's torrid start, coming through with its own hot runs in the middle quarters en route to a 107-99 victory that guaranteed the Road Warriors of a twice-to-beat incentive in the coming PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
Robert Bolick, Xyrus Torres and Brandon Ramirez led NLEX' spirited charge from 19 points down in the first half as the Road Warriors pummeled the Hotshots, 29-14, in the second period then, 36-24, in the third for the steal that sent NLEX to pole position entering the elims homestretch.
More importantly, coach Jong Uichico's troops chalked up an eighth win that assured them of a Top Four finish and its twice-to-beat reward in the quarterfinals.
Bolick top scored with 25 points including three three-pointers and two four-balls while Torres and Ramirez combined for eight treys and a total of 40 markers as NLEX seized league leadership at 8-2 while relegating Magnolia to second spot at 7-3.
The Road Warriors go for a 9-2 closing card versus the NorthPort Batang Pier on June 11.
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Despite the loss, the Hotshots are still in a good position to claim a win-once bonus. They take a second shot at the clincher versus the TNT Tropang 5G on June 13.
It's a sorry loss for the Hotshots who suddenly turned cold after a blazing 32-15 opening salvo.
Curiously, they have dropped three of their last four games and gone 0-2 with trade recruit William Navarro.
Going for naught were Zavi Lucero's 23 points, Ian Sangalang's 21, Jerom Lastimosa's 17 and Paul Lee's 16.
Lee had an incredible 3-of-4 clip from the four-point arc.
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But the Road Warriors had more than enough answer with an 11-of-22 three-point shooting plus a combined three four-pointers from Bolick and Torres.
In a turnaround from 19 down, NLEX had its biggest lead at 99-82 on a trey from Bolick with 4:37 left to play. (SB)
The scores:
NLEX 107 - Bolick 25, Torres 22, Ramirez 18, Policarpio 12, Mocon 10, Alas 9, Bahio 5, Valdez 4, Nieto 2, Semerad 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0.
Magnolia 99 - Lucero 23, Sangalang 21, Lastimosa 17, Lee 16, Ahanmisi 8, Alfaro 4, Dionisio 4, Barroca 2, Navarro 2, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarterscores: 15-32, 44-46, 80-70, 107-99
