Robert Bolick scored 16 points in the first quarter as the NLEX Road Warriors routed Phoenix Super LPG, 137-89, on Saturday, Oct. 31, to reach the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. The three-game sweep ends a four-year wait for the franchise.

Bolick finished with a game-high 23 points at Ninoy Aquino Stadium as NLEX closed out the best-of-five quarterfinal series. The Road Warriors led 43-21 after the first quarter and stayed in control the rest of the way.

Alapag Praises Road Warriors’ Work Ethic

Jimmy Alapag, named head coach days before the conference began, became the first coach to reach the semifinals in his first conference. He deflected most of the credit to his players, pointing to their work ethic.

“Extremely, extremely proud of our guys,” Alapag said after NLEX reached its first semifinals since the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup. “Sobrang sipag sila, lahat sila,” he added, praising the group’s early-morning gym sessions.

“So gusto ko lang simulan ‘yung game ng ganoong klase ng intensity, para naman makita ng mga teammates ko na ready kami, lumalaban and once na nag-start iyon nag-snowball na lahat,” said Bolick. He made two triples and two four-pointers in the first quarter.

NLEX will face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Converge and Rain or Shine. It will be the first semifinals appearance for Bolick and most of his teammates.

Phoenix Suffers Franchise-Worst Loss

Phoenix suffered its worst loss under coach Charles Tiu and in franchise history. The Fuel Masters trailed by as many as 50 points, 137-87, despite a spirited effort from import Marcellus Earlington.

Earlington scored 19 points and Kai Ballungay added 16, but it was not enough for the Fuel Masters. Jason Perkins finally saw action, logging the first 3:37 and hitting a triple.