NLEX’s move to tap Deonte Burton as its new import is paying off in a big way under Jimmy Alapag. The Road Warriors have rolled to two straight blowouts in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup and sit atop Group A ahead of a top-seed showdown.

For a first-year coach, the timing could hardly be better. With the elimination round nearly over, NLEX has found its rhythm, and the scoring numbers back it up.

Deonte Burton Sparks NLEX Road Warriors’ Scoring Surge

Burton’s arrival has coincided with a scoring binge for NLEX. The Road Warriors beat Macau, 138-78, then topped the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 147-115, their biggest scoring output of the Governors’ Cup.

Burton again flirted with a triple-double against Titan Ultra, finishing with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Robert Bolick added 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists as NLEX pulled away after a 65-65 halftime tie.

The turning point came in the third quarter, when NLEX outscored Titan Ultra, 37-14, to lead 102-79. The bench delivered, too, with Kevin Alas scoring 19 points and 12 Road Warriors reaching the scoring column.

NLEX vs. San Miguel Beermen Showdown to Decide Group A Top Seed

NLEX (9-2) and San Miguel (8-3) hold the top two spots in Group A and will meet in their final elimination-round game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The result will decide the group’s top seed.

The Road Warriors hold the inside track after winning the first meeting, 110-96. San Miguel can draw level at 9-3 with a win, but it must win by more than 14 points to take the top spot.

The Beermen arrive off a 135-105 win over the Terrafirma Dyip. The game may also show whether NLEX’s import move was a masterstroke.