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NLEX snaps losing streak by tripping struggling Blackwater

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

February 19, 2022, 8:42 am

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.

"After a good start—we won four games—we lost three straight, so we felt that if we lose again, this will be a big hole we might not be able to come out from. So importante yung panalo sa amin (the win is important to us)," Coach Yeng Guiao said after the game.

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.

"We felt that Blackwater is due for a win at some point," Guiao added. "We were wary that that can happen."

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

"Ayaw namin na kami pa yung mabiktima nila (We don't want to be victimized by them)," Guiao added.

KJ McDaniels led NLEX, now 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. (PNA)

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