Javee Mocon delivered when it mattered most, stepping up in the absence of a dominant Robert Bolick to carry the NLEX Road Warriors to a crucial 105-93 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mocon erupted for 13 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, fueling a late surge that propelled the Road Warriors into the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals with a 7-2 record—trailing only 7-1 Magnolia.

NLEX survives undermanned roster with balanced attack

Despite missing key players due to illness and injury, NLEX rose to the challenge with a short-handed nine-man rotation. Head coach Jong Uichico praised his team’s effort and composure through adversity.

“Maski kulang-kulang… they still did their utmost effort,” said Uichico. “Offensively, things weren’t falling our way… pero tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang trabaho nila.”

Bolick played a critical role early, scoring 15 of his 20 points in the first quarter to help NLEX take control. He also finished with eight rebounds and seven assists. JB Bahio added 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Anthony Semerad and Xyrus Torres added 14 and 13 points respectively.

Mocon’s fourth-quarter outburst, including nine straight points to push the lead to 92-82, proved decisive. Torres sealed the deal with his second three-pointer of the period, extending the lead to 105-93.

Phoenix eliminated from playoff contention

The loss dropped Phoenix to 2-7, effectively eliminating them from playoff contention even if they win their final two games. Teams like TNT, Ginebra, Rain or Shine, Converge, and Meralco already have five wins each, securing the top eight spots.

Phoenix fought valiantly, tying the game thrice in the third quarter, the last at 64-all. But each time, NLEX answered—highlighted by a personal 7-point run from Semerad and Mocon’s late-game heroics.

With two games left, NLEX still has a shot at securing a twice-to-beat advantage if they win against Magnolia on Friday and NorthPort on June 11.