NLEX sweeps Phoenix, advances to PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals

The NLEX Road Warriors sent the Phoenix Fuel Masters packing with a dominant 137-89 blowout victory in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Oct. 31, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

NLEX saved its best for last to complete the 3-0 sweep, concluding its quarterfinal campaign with a bang after overwhelming Phoenix from start to finish in an impressive offensive display.

A momentum-shifting 15-2 run midway through the first quarter helped NLEX establish a commanding 22-point lead, 43-21, after the first 12 minutes of action.

After that stunning offensive avalanche, the Road Warriors never looked back and didn’t give the Fuel Masters any room to breathe, suffocating them on both ends of the floor with a combination of efficient scoring and tremendous perimeter defense.

Just when Phoenix thought it could slowly chip away at the deficit after trimming the lead to 13 points midway through the second quarter, Robert Bolick took matters into his own hands and steered NLEX to a 16-4 closing run, stretching its lead to 35 points at halftime, 78-43.

Phoenix didn’t give up and tried to fight back in the second half by applying full-court defensive pressure in the third quarter, but the trio of Bolick, import Deonte Burton and Schonny Winston joined forces to protect NLEX’s massive advantage.

The outcome was virtually decided when the Fuel Masters failed to trim the deficit to 10 to 15 points, as NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag began resting his starters in the fourth quarter with the Road Warriors still enjoying a commanding lead.

Bolick led the charge for the Road Warriors as the veteran combo guard recorded 23 points, five assists and four rebounds in the series-clinching victory.

Burton and Winston delivered 19 points apiece, while Kevin Alas, L-Jay Gonzales and Enoch Valdez added 12, 12 and 10 points, respectively.

On the other hand, the only bright spots during Phoenix’s lopsided loss were import Marcellus Earlington and Kai Ballungay, who scored 19 and 16 points, respectively.

Up next for head coach Jimmy Alapag and NLEX in the semifinals will be the winner of the quarterfinal series between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Converge FiberXers, with both teams tied at one game apiece.