NLEX finally scores win, defeats Meralco

Tony Mitchell's 30-20 led the Road Warriors to their first win. PBA Images
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—NLEX finally scored a win in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, downing sister squad Meralco, 100-91, on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Road Warriors slowly chipped the Bolts in the first three quarters, opening a lead as high as 23, 83-60, late in the third period.

Meralco tried to complete a comeback, cutting the lead down to four, 91-87, with 5:28 to play in the final canto.

But NLEX hung on as Tony Mitchell crucial baskets down the stretch.

Mitchell finished with 32 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, and one block for NLEX, which snapped a six-game skid to start the conference.

Jericho Cruz made 16 points, three rebounds, six assists, and one steal off the bench in his first game with NLEX.

Gani Lawal made 15 markers, 14 boards, and one steal for Meralco, which fell to 3-4.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno