NLEX Continues Winning Streak in PBA Philippine Cup
NLEX showed no signs of rust despite coming off a three-week layoff. The Road Warriors picked up where they left off in the PBA Philippine Cup and claimed their fourth consecutive win after picking Magnolia apart in an 87-74 victory.
Strong Performances by Bolick and Semerad
Robert Bolick and Tony Semerad turned in solid performances as NLEX improved to 5-1 to remain at second place behind unbeaten San Miguel. Bolick scored 26 points, including 9 in the opening quarter, while Semerad contributed a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Coach Lim’s Strategy Pays Off
For Road Warriors head coach Frankie Lim, finding a balance between high-intensity training and rest during the break worked wonders for the team. Lim attributed the team’s success to a well-paced training regimen that included both hard and light practices.
Magnolia’s Challenges
Although NLEX won the game comfortably, Magnolia faced challenges due to the absence of key players such as Aris Dionisio, Rome dela Rosa, and Calvin Abueva. The Hotshots struggled without these defensive and offensive assets, resulting in their second straight loss.
Game Summary
- NLEX top scorers: Bolick (26 points), Semerad (22 points)
- Magnolia top scorers: Escoto (13 points), Sangalang (13 points)
- Final Score: NLEX 87, Magnolia 74