The NLEX Road Warriors rode on a stellar start en route to a 137-89 dismantling of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in Game 3 of their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals series on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. With the win, the Road Warriors emphatically punched their ticket to the semis for the first time since 2021.
What Happened?
Robert Bolick came out firing, hitting NLEX’s first basket—a trey—and then adding two freebies, another triple, and a pair of fours for 16 first-quarter points. Deonte Burton added 8, and Enoch Valdez chipped in 6 as the Road Warriors took the opening frame, 43-21, to all but take the fight out of the upstart Fuel Masters. The onslaught continued in the second frame, with NLEX outscoring Phoenix, 35-22, to enter halftime up, 78-43, and two quarters away from the semis.
Phoenix finally showed some fight in the third behind Tyler Tio, Gian Mamuyac, and import Marcellus Earlington. However, NLEX still won it, 29-28, to build its lead to 107-71 heading into the final frame. The last quarter was a mere formality, and yet the Road Warriors made sure to end Game 3 forcefully, clamping Phoenix to 18 points while scoring 30 more for the runaway victory.
Who Stood Out?
Six Road Warriors finished in double figures, and two more scored 9 in a total team effort. But it was Bolick who set the tone early on his way to 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Burton and Schonny Winston backed him up, with the former notching 19 markers, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, and the latter tallying 19 points. Kevin Alas and Ljay Gonzales, meanwhile, sparked NLEX with 12 apiece while combining for 5 boards and 8 dimes.
Phoenix got a decent game from Earlington, who finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in his final game this conference. Kai Ballungay finished a strong quarterfinals campaign with a 16-point, 5-rebound effort in the loss.
3 Keys to the Game
- Splendid Start. Game 3 was over even in just one quarter after NLEX exploded for 43 in the opening frame. With a 43-21 start, the Road Warriors practically took the fight out of Phoenix early on their way to a smashing triumph.
- Distance Shooting. NLEX and Phoenix both shot well from the three-point line, with the former shooting 13-for-28 and the latter going 12-for-35. However, the Road Warriors hit five four-pointers to none from the Fuel Masters for a 20-point advantage.
- Turnovers. The Road Warriors took great care of the ball, turning it over only 6 times compared to the Fuel Masters’ 15. Importantly, NLEX converted those turnovers into points, scoring 27 off Phoenix’s miscues, while the latter scored 9 points off NLEX’s errors.
Next Up for the PBA: Quarterfinals
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | City of Dasmariñas Arena
Converge FiberXers vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (5:15 p.m.)
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs. San Miguel Beermen (7:30 p.m.)
