PBA: NLEX manhandles Titan Ultra to stay unbeaten

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The NLEX Road Warriors’ dream start in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup continues after demolishing the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 135-100, on July 14, 2026, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

With the lopsided win, the Road Warriors jumped to an early solo lead in the standings, improving to three wins without a single loss in the Jimmy Alapag era.

Fresh off a nail-biting 101-100 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip, the Alapag-led NLEX squad vented its ire on Titan Ultra, making sure no careless and sloppy execution would dim its chances of a strong closeout performance.

The Giant Risers were still within striking distance after the first 12 minutes of action, but after the one-two punch of Schonny Winston and Robert Bolick got it going in the second quarter, the Road Warriors established dominance on both ends of the floor en route to an 18-point advantage at the half.

Winston was a walking bucket for NLEX, spraying trifectas from all over the court, while Bolick dictated the game’s tempo with his slick court vision and aggressiveness going downhill on every drive.

Titan Ultra revived its hopes of a comeback after its import, Tirrell Brown, owned the paint and gave the NLEX frontcourt a run for its money.

From his signature sweeping hooks in the left block to his second-chance efforts, Brown almost single-handedly helped the Giant Risers hang on, but NLEX’s demoralizing fourth-quarter avalanche officially shut the door on a comeback.

Picking up where Winston and Bolick left off were import DeQuan Jones and Kevin Alas, who joined forces to ignite a momentum-stealing 19-4 run at the 8:55 mark of the final frame.

To make things worse for Titan Ultra, Winston added more damage with wide-open conversions from the left corner, backed by Bolick’s consecutive and-one plays that swelled NLEX’s lead to 35 points.

Winston spearheaded NLEX’s statement win with an all-around effort of 30 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Bolick chipped in 29 markers and seven boards.

Jones’ limited playing time due to the one-sided affair didn’t hinder him from contributing his usual numbers, as he delivered 22 points and six rebounds, while Alas added 14 points, five boards, and four dimes.

On the other hand, Brown finally suited up for Titan Ultra after clearing his import papers, but his 27-point production wasn’t enough to help his team grab its first win of the import-laced conference.

The Road Warriors will look to sustain their momentum and extend their winning streak on July 26, 2026, against the San Miguel Beermen, while Titan Ultra seeks to bounce back on July 22, 2026, against the TNT Tropang 5G.