NLEX places 1 foot on last QF spot, ends Phoenix's PBA Govs' Cup campaign on sour note

DeQuan Jones finally led NLEX to a win. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--NLEX gained an upper hand in the race for the last quarterfinal spot for Group B in the PBA Governors' Cup after drubbing Phoenix, 104-79, on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Needing to win their last two games to seal their place in the playoffs, the Road Warriors quickly deposed the also-ran Fuel Masters, racing to a 30-17 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looking back.

DeQuan Jones led NLEX, which moved up to 4-5, with 27 points, seven rebounds, and two assists as the team won again after a five-game slide.

Robert Bolick added 19 points, five rebounds, nine assists, and two steals.

Sean Manganti put up 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Phoenix, which finished its conference at 1-9.

In his last game, Brandone Francis was held to only four points, three rebounds, and two assists while committing three turnovers.

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