NLEX snapped its three-game losing streak in a dominant fashion, drubbing Blackwater, 98-68, to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday, July 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Road Warriors battered the hapless Bossing side right from the get-go, racing to a 31-2 onslaught in the opening quarter to set the tone for the rout and improve their record to an even 5-5 slate.
NLEX totally smothered Blackwater on the defensive end as it limited the Bossing to just two points in the first period, tying the lowest output scored in a quarter in the league's history, joining Mobiline, Barangay Ginebra, and NorthPort in the record of futility.
Don Trollano spearheaded the attack for NLEX with 16 points while Calvin Oftana chipped in with 15 and seven rebounds. Justin Chua and JR Quinahan, who anchored the masterful defensive performance in that telling quarter, contributed with 11 and 12 points, respectively.
“It's the defensive tone set by the starters, gaya nung sinabi ni Don (Trollano), hindi siya starter pero nare-recognize nila ‘yung contribution ng mga starters namin na kinayod talaga nila na wag magkaroon ng rhythm, wag magkaroon ng momentum yung Blackwater dahil pag binigyan mo sila ng ganun delikado ka talaga,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao.
“Sa preparation namin I'd like to credit my coaching staff, sila talaga kumayod sin dun sa preparation for this game” added the fiery mentor who hardly missed the services of Kevin Alas who sat out the game against the Bossing.
No Bossing scored in twin-digits with Yousef Taha – the player who gave Blackwater its lone field goal in the first quarter – top scoring the team win nine points.
Baser Amer added eight, while Ato Ular and Jvee Casio, after leading the way in scoring for Blackwater during their dream run, struggled to get into their offensive groove only finishing eight and six points respectively