Here are the players who made the biggest impact on October 28 and the stats to prove it.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE DAY:
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson TNT PF 39 PTS | 15 REB | 3 BLK | 74.0 FPS
This was a signature performance for the three-time Best Import. He filled out the stat-sheet, dominated the boards and finished as the top scorer of the game. He was also highly efficient on offense, hitting 4-of-5 from three while converting 9-of-10 from the line.
Robert Lee Bolick NLX PG 31 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 51.2 FPS
Bolick spearheaded NLEX’s offense in Game 2, getting off to a blistering start with 21 first-half points on the back of a perfect 9-for-9 shooting from the line. He stayed steady throughout the game, finishing with a season-best 14 made free-throws and surpassing the output of Phoenix as a team.
Deschon Winston NLX SG 31 PTS | 4 REB | 2 STL | 43.3 FPS
Winston delivered another offensive clinic for NLEX. After tying his Game 1 scoring total in the first half on 5-for-5 shooting from two-point range, he elevated his game further with a 12-point third-quarter explosion. In his best scoring performance of the conference, Winston shot 8-of-10 from two and knocked down 3-of-4 from three.
Kenyon Joseph Buffen MAG SF 24 PTS | 13 REB | 3 AST | 43.1 FPS
Down 17 points in the second quarter, Buffen and Magnolia fought their way back to trim the deficit. Then, Buffen took over in the third quarter, scoring seven straight points to get his team within two. Though TNT eventually pulled away, he did his part on offense, leading the team in both scoring and three-pointers.
Deonte DeAngelo Burton NLX PF 24 PTS | 10 REB | 2 STL | 43.0 FPS
The NLEX import was his usual dominant self in Game 2, making his mark on both ends of the floor while also leading all players in rebounding. He also came through when it mattered most, taking over in the fourth quarter with 10 points to seal the win.
Gian Robert Mamuyac PHX PG 18 PTS | 8 AST | 3 STL | 41.8 FPS
Mamuyac put up a standout performance in Game 2. He was in top form offensively, hitting shots from all over the floor to match his best scoring game of the conference while posting a game-high in assists and also getting it done on the defensive end.
Kainoa Bryson Ballungay PHX PF 21 PTS | 9 REB | 1 STL | 36.3 FPS
Offensively, Ballungay has been a force against NLEX. He was unstoppable today, hitting a perfect 10-for-10 from two to record back-to-back 20-point performances.
Ricci Paolo Rivero PHX SF 21 PTS | 4 REB | 6 AST | 28.8 FPS
Just like in Game 1, Rivero impacted the game in many ways before fouling out. He was less effective this time, however, shooting just 1-for-6 from deep while finishing with a game-high in turnovers. Still, he remains a dependable scorer, reaching the 20-point mark for the 13th time this season.
Kenneth James Tuffin PHX SF 17 PTS | 6 REB | 2 AST | 25.2 FPS
The Phoenix forward had his scoring breakthrough in Game 2. Coming off three games, where he averaged eight points, he turned it up today, hitting 3‑for‑3 from deep and matching his highest scoring game of the conference.
Zavier Lucero MAG SF 16 PTS | 9 REB | 24.8 FPS
Foul trouble was a major issue for Lucero in Game 2, but he still delivered by finishing as the team’s top local scorer. Even so, Magnolia will need a much bigger performance from him to turn their series around.
Brandon Arnell Ganuelas-Rosser 11 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST | 22.1 FPS
BGR continues to elevate his game on the scoring end. Through seven games this conference, he’s been a steady offensive presence, putting up 10.5 points while shooting 64.3% from two-point range.
Christian Tyler Tio PHX PG 15 PTS | 1 AST | 1 STL | 19.5 FPS
Phoenix got a much-needed offensive spark from Tio, who scored 13 points in the first half. While he slowed down considerably after that, he still turned in a solid performance, shooting 6-of-11 for a new conference high.
Calvin John Oftana TNT SG 6 PTS | 8 REB | 1 STL | 17.1 FPS
This was his lowest-scoring game of the conference and his first time scoring under 10 points. Oftana never got going offensively today, shooting just 2-for-8 from the field while also committing three turnovers.
Kevin Louie Alas NLX PG 12 PTS | 3 REB | 1 AST | 16.1 FPS
Through 12 games this conference, Alas has been a major scoring threat from two-point area, shooting 60.4%. He was just as steady in two games against Phoenix, hitting 6-of-10 two-pointers and averaging nine points.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY:
Jerom Lastimosa MAG PG 13 PTS | 2 AST | 2 TO | 15.2 FPS
In the elimination rounds, Lastimosa was the team’s highest local scorer, averaging 15.7 points over nine contests. He showed that spark in Game 2, scoring nine points in the second to bring his team back into the game. He couldn’t keep it up, however, managing just two points for the remainder of the match.
