MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors returned to their winning ways in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after defeating Phoenix Fuel Masters, 108-94, on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Jonnel Policarpio stepped up with a conference-high of 17 points and nine rebounds to be named Player of the Game as the Road Warriors snapped a three-game losing skid to improve to a 4-6 win-loss slate.
“Binigay ko lang ‘yung best ko, ‘yung opportunity na ibinigay sa akin ni (Road Warriors head) coach Jong (Uichico) hindi ko lang sinayang,” Policarpio said in a post-game interview.
Robert Bolick Jr. led the way with 26 points and nine assists, Michael Watkins added a double-double of 22 points and 18 rebounds, while Robbie Herndon and Anthony Semerad contributed 15 and 11, respectively, for NLEX.
“I just think everyone had the mindset to contribute in today’s game, alam naman nila gaano kaimportante itong laro na ito, everyone had the same mindset and ‘yung will nila na makapag-contribute sa laro na ito,” Uichico said after the game.
Donovan Smith tallied a double-double of 36 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Fuel Masters, while Ricci Rivero contributed 13 markers. They dropped to a 3-7 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, Calvin Oftana excelled offensively as TNT Tropang Giga took down Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 91-86, over at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Gilas Pilipinas forward recorded 32 points, including six three-point shots, along with seven rebounds and one assist, helping the Tropang Giga maintain their position at the top with a 6-2 win-loss record.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson contributed 25 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, while John Paul Erram added 10 points for the Tropang Giga, who continued their dominance over the Gin Kings after previously defeating them in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
Justin Brownlee led the way for the Gin Kings with 20 points on a horrible 5-of-20 shooting, while Stephen Holt and Jeth Troy Rosario added 18 and 16 points, respectively, as they fell to a 6-4 win-loss slate./PN
