NLEX barged into the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup win column by keeping Blackwater winless, 107-95, Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Road Warriors lost the lead in the second quarter but quickly recovered before the halftime break. They then pulled away in the final frame on the way to breaking through after being blown out by NorthPort in their debut last Thursday.
“It was embarrassing. One day preparation, not too much adjustments but it’s the players’ adjustment in not wanting to lose that way,” said head coach Jong Uichico. “They’re trying to make up for that loss against NorthPort.”
Import Mike Watkins led the way with 26 points and 25 rebounds as the 6-foot-9 big man imposed his presence inside against the smaller Bossing.
“It’s his inside presence that gave Blackwater some trouble,” said Uichico. “He was a matchup problem. We also had problems matching up with King, except that mas malaki ‘yung effect ng inside game ni Watkins.”
Robert Bolick finished with 23 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists as the star guard bounced back from a measly three-point outing against the Batang Pier.
“Nung first game kasi, umalis kami roon sa ilang buwan naming inensayo,” said Bolick. “Inemphasize lang ni Coach na ituloy niyo lang kung ano ‘yung ginagawa namin. Masaya ako sa teammates ko, ganda ng nilaro lahat.”
Ritchie Rodger supplied 14 points. Rookie Xyrus Torres shot 3-of-6 from three and tallied 12 points, while Enoch Valdez added 11 points and five boards.
Tony Semerad provided significantly as well with eight points on two back-t0-back triples to give his team a 100-80 lead with less than five minutes left to play – all but sealing the triumph.
NLEX (1-1) will look to make it back-to-back wins when the crew takes on Terrafirma on December 3, Tuesday, 5:00 PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
George King, on the other hand, finished with 40 points and seven rebounds to lead the Bossing, who absorbed their second loss in as many games.
The high-scoring import was compelled to carry the load offensively as Sedrick Barefield didn’t see action reportedly due to plantar fasciitis.
Given the tough situation, only Justin Chua scored in double figures among their locals with 13 points, but it clearly wasn’t enough help for Kings.
Blackwater will try to arrest its skid the soonest but it may be easier said than done for Coach Jeff Cariaso’s wards.
They will test the mettle of Hong Kong Eastern on December 10, Tuesday, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
NLEX 107 – Watkins 26, Bolick 23, Rodger 14, Torres 12, Valdez 11, Semerad 8, Amer 6, Herndon 3, Bahio 2, Mocon 2, Policarpio 0, Nermal 0.
Blackwater 95 – King 40, Chua 13, Tungcab 8, Kwekuteye 8, David 8, Montalbo 8, Ilagan 5, Escoto 5, Guinto 0, Jopia 0, Ponferrada 0, Suerte 0, Hill.
Quarterscores: 22-17, 53-46, 81-69, 107-95.
