NLEX blows by Phoenix for 3rd straight win

Jericho Cruz put up a solid all-around game for the Road Warriors. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--NLEX continued on showing its dominant display even without Kiefer Ravena after trouncing Phoenix, 94-76, in the lone Saturday offering of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

In a game that was moved to a primetime spot following the postponement of the game between the Alaska Aces and the San Miguel Beermen, the Road Warriors once again banked on a strong finish, tearing down the Fuel Masters in the second half, 49-31, after the latter took charge for most of the first half.

Jericho Cruz led NLEX, which is now in fourth place at 4-2 following its third straight win overall, with 19 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and four steals.

Raul Soyud added 17 points on 8-for-9 shooting and seven rebounds off the bench.

Vic Manuel put up 13 points and three rebounds off the bench to pace Phoenix, which now lost for the second time in three matches inside the Bacolor semi-bubble.

Jason Perkins and Chris Banchero each added 12 markers with the former grabbing the same number of boards for a double-double.

For the second straight game, Matthew Wright struggled from the field, only converting four out of 18 attempts for 10 points, but this time, the Road Warriors made sure that the Fuel Masters will not get a crack in crunch time.

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