The NLEX Road Warriors stayed unbeaten on Tuesday, grinding out an 88-83 win over the TNT Tropang 5G at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. It is NLEX’s sixth straight win to start the PBA Governors’ Cup while sending TNT tumbling to a 3-3 slate after one round.
What Happened?
NLEX rolled to an early 26-18 lead behind contributions from DeQuan Jones, Robert Bolick, and Schonny Winston. Rookies Ljay Gonzales and Arvin Gamboa joined the attack, helping the Road Warriors win the second quarter as well, 30-23, to take a 56-41 advantage into halftime.
But, as they did in upsets of the Converge FiberXers and San Miguel Beermen, the Tropa turned to their championship defense to limit NLEX to just 14 points in the third canto while scoring 24 of their own. That run got TNT to within 70-65 after three. The defending champs continued to fight back in the final frame, tying the game at 74 to fan flames of another stunner. Gonzales and Jones, though, fired back-to-back baskets to give the Road Warriors back the lead and control of the game.
Who Stood Out?
Jones was the man of the moment for NLEX, finishing with a game-high 27 points to go along with 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. He also scored 8 of the Road Warriors’ 18 fourth-quarter points. Gonzales helped out Jones with 11 points and 4 dimes off the bench.
TNT, meanwhile, drew a solid game from Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, who tallied 22 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Rey Nambatac and Glenn Khobuntin added 13 apiece, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser notched 13 points and 5 caroms off the bench.
3 Keys to the Game
- Shooting. In a game where TNT had the advantage in several important categories, NLEX had the edge in shooting — and by a considerable margin. The Road Warriors shot 45.8% overall, while TNT was a ghastly 36.7%.
- Poise. TNT was just about ready to steal a game from yet another contender after it tied things up at 74 in the fourth. But with Jones settling things, NLEX was able to fight back and retake the lead — and then fend off the Tropa’s upset bid.
- Points in the paint. With the treys not falling as much, the Road Warriors had to manufacture points. They did that by attacking the rack, which led to a 50-34 advantage in points in the paint.
Next Up for the PBA
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Phoenix Fuel Masters vs. Blackwater Bossing (5:15 p.m.)
San Miguel Beermen vs. Converge FiberXers (7:30 p.m.)
