Jimmy Alapag challenged NLEX at halftime after the team allowed 72 points, and the Road Warriors answered. They held Phoenix Super LPG to 45 after the break in a 124-117 win Wednesday night that put them one victory from the semifinals.

The result gave NLEX a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals. The rookie coach’s team can close out the series Saturday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Winston, Bolick Lead NLEX Surge

Schonny Winston and Robert Bolick scored 31 points each, and Deonte Burton added 24 points and 10 rebounds. The Road Warriors followed their 97-92 Game 1 win with another victory at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Winston, who earned Best Player of the Game honors, sparked the breakaway from a tight contest. NLEX trailed, 93-94, entering the fourth quarter before opening a nine-point lead.

Bolick was steady throughout, hitting 3-of-5 from three-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists and three steals against two turnovers.

Alapag Credits Second-Half Defense

“I thought in the first half, allowing them 72 points was way too high. Credit goes to Phoenix, they played extremely well. But I challenged our guys in the second half that no way we’re gonna win defending this way,” Alapag said.

“Then we gave up just 45 and that was the biggest difference,” he added. NLEX tightened up after a first-half shootout, holding Phoenix to that total over the final two quarters.

“We knew they would come out strong, and we matched their intensity. But the job is not done yet, we have to stay humble, stay disciplined, keep our heads down and keep working,” Winston said.

Phoenix got 22 points from Marcellus Earlington and 21 each from Kai Ballungay and Ricci Rivero. It now needs three straight wins to take the series.