NLEX scores 1st win in PBA Comm's Cup with rout vs Blackwater

Mike Watkins put up a dominating performance against Blackwater. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—NLEX bounced back from a rough defeat to NorthPort with a 107-95 win against Blackwater in the first stop of the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday night.

The Road Warriors set the tone in the first half, holding the Bossing to only 17 points in the first quarter before erupting for 31 in the second quarter to open a 53-46 halftime lead.

NLEX then sustained its brilliance in the second half to help seal the win.

Mike Watkins finished with a rare 25-25 after tallying 26 points and 25 rebounds with one assist and three blocks for the Road Warriors, who moved up to 1-1.

Held to only three points against the Batang Pier, Robert Bolick came alive and added 23 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals.

George King exploded for 40 points with eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks for Blackwater, which dropped to 0-2.

The Scores:

NLEX 107 – Watkins 26, Bolick 23, Rodger 14, Torres 12, Valdez 11, Semerad 8, Amer 6, Herndon 3, Bahio 2, Mocon 2, Policarpio 0, Nermal 0

BLACKWATER 95 – King 40, Chua 13, Tungcab 8, Kwekuteye 8, David 8, Montalbo 8, Ilagan 5, Escoto 5, Guinto 0, Jopia 0, Ponferrada 0, Suerte 0, Hill 0

QUARTERS: 22-17, 53-46, 81-69, 107-95

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