NLEX cripples hapless Blackwater to snap skid

KJ McDaniel remains efficient for the Road Warriors. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—NLEX returned to its winning ways in the PBA Governors' Cup after drubbing Blackwater, 117-97, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

In a battle pitting teams on separate skids, the Road Warriors bludgeoned the Bossing early on before stopping the latter's comeback threat early in the fourth quarter.

NLEX dominated Blackwater in the first quarter, opening a 34-14 lead at the end of the period.

The Bossing, looking to finally put a closure to the PBA's longest losing streak, slowly put up a comeback run and came to within 12, 82-94, with 10:27 left in the fourth quarter.

But the Road Warriors sealed their win on an 8-1 run midway through the fourth.

KJ McDaniels led NLEX, now at in fifth place 5-3, with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and four blocks.

Jericho Cruz added 22 markers, three off his career-high, three boards, five dimes, and three swipes.

Kris Rosales matched his career-high with 18 points on 6-of-8 shots alongside two caroms, four dimes, and two steals.

Shawn Glover fired 39 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks for Blackwater, which fell to 0-7 in the conference and now lost 26 straight games.

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