The NLEX Road Warriors overcame a fiery start from the Magnolia Hotshots, mounting a massive rally in the middle quarters to pull off a 107-99 comeback win and secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

After falling behind by 19 in the first half, NLEX stormed back with a dominant second and third quarter, outscoring Magnolia 29-14 and 36-24 in those periods. The victory pushed NLEX to the top of the standings at 8-2, assuring a Top 4 finish and giving them a strong position going into the playoffs.

Bolick leads explosive comeback for NLEX

Robert Bolick once again spearheaded NLEX’s offense, dropping 25 points highlighted by three three-pointers and two four-point shots. Xyrus Torres and Brandon Ramirez added to the firepower, combining for eight triples and finishing with a total of 40 points between them. NLEX’s 11-of-22 three-point shooting proved too much for the Hotshots to contain.

The Road Warriors took the lead for good and held their largest advantage at 99-82 following a clutch trey from Bolick with 4:37 remaining in the final quarter.

Magnolia falters after hot start

Magnolia opened the game with a scorching 32-15 first quarter but went ice cold thereafter, losing grip on what could have been a statement win. The loss dropped them to 7-3 and denied them an outright shot at a twice-to-beat advantage — at least for now.

Despite the loss, the Hotshots still have another opportunity to clinch a Top 4 spot when they face TNT Tropang Giga on June 13.

Zavi Lucero paced Magnolia with 23 points, followed by Ian Sangalang’s 21, Jerom Lastimosa’s 17, and Paul Lee’s 16. Lee also made three of his four attempts from the long-range four-point arc.

However, their combined effort fell short against a surging NLEX squad led by head coach Jong Uichico, who now eyes a 9-2 finish as they close the eliminations against NorthPort on June 11.