MANILA, Philippines – NLEX is enjoying one of its finest campaigns in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Road Warriors notched their longest winning streak in the history of the All-Filipino tournament following a 117-87 demolition of hapless Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, May 14.
Rookie big man Brandon Ramirez continued his steady play and posted a conference-high 21 points with 4 rebounds and 1 steal as NLEX claimed its fifth straight victory.
Drafted 18th overall last year, Ramirez has been a key contributor for the Road Warriors this conference, averaging 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in their previous four triumphs.
“He’s a fast learner [and] he wants to learn. He’s always coachable, always asks questions. Of course, there will always be mistakes, but that’s normal,” said NLEX head coach Jong Uichico of Ramirez.
“But the important thing about Brandon is he tries everything and he wants to learn. He always wants to do things right so he asks questions.”
Ramirez scored 10 quick points in a blazing 22-5 start and the Road Warriors were never challenged the rest of the way.
JB Bahio turned in an all-around outing of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in the win, Robbie Herndon chimed in 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Javee Mocon delivered 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.
NLEX posted its most lopsided win of the conference despite star guard Robert Bolick scoring just 3 points.
Bolick made only 1 of his 8 field goals for his lowest scoring performance of the tournament, but he still made his presence felt with 10 assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Kevin Alas and Enoch Valdez added 9 points each for the Road Warriors, who matched their longest winning streak in franchise history when they also won five straight games in the 2019 Governors’ Cup, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon.
Kevin Ferrer fired a game-high 23 points on a 6-of-10 clip from three-point land, but that hardly made a difference as the Dyip got clobbered by at least 30 points for the fourth time this conference and fell to 1-6.
Unlike NLEX which has not lost since it dropped its conference opener against San Miguel, Terrafirma has not won since it beat Phoenix in the first game.
The Scores
NLEX 117 – Ramirez 21, Bahio 17, Herndon 15, Mocon 13, Alas 9, Valdez 9, Amer 7, Miranda 6, Semerad 6, Torres 6, Nieto 3, Bolick 3, Fajardo 2.
Terrafirma 87 – Ferrer 23, Sangalang 15, Nonoy 11, Paraiso 10, Zaldivar 8, Pringle 7, Melecio 5, Catapusan 4, Ramos 4, Hernandez 0, Hanapi 0, Olivario 0.
Quarters: 33-16, 63-44, 87-70, 117-87.
– Rappler.com