NLEX broke out of its slump and took down Phoenix, 108-94, just in time to stay alive in the quarterfinals race in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Jan. 19.

Mike Watkins, Robert Bolick and rookie Jonnel Policarpio presided over a third quarter onslaught as the Road Warriors created the separation and never looked back from there to snap a five-game losing skid

Not only that NLEX finally got back on the winning track but the win also pumped life to its flickering playoff hopes after improving to a 4-6 record in tie with Magnolia at the ninth and 10th spots.

The Road Warriors are suddenly back into the picture as they are just only half a game behind No.8 San Miguel Beermen who sport a 4-5 record.

Watkins, the Best Import race leader halfway through the eliminations, remained solid with 22 points and 18 rebounds while Bolick bounced back from a lackluster showing last time out due to intestinal flu with 26 points and nine assists.

The biggest difference from their last five games, however, was the other local support with Policarpio giving the boost from the bench with 17 points and nine rebounds. Robbie Herndon also fired 15 as Anthony Semerad added 11 to pick up the slack from the absence of Kevin Alas.

Behind the third quarter explosion, NLEX established a lead that went to as high as 17, 90-73, although it still had to deal with some anxious moments midway through the final frame after Phoenix came too close for comfort, 90-96.

Not to be denied, though, were the Road Warriors as Bolick just took over from there capped by a crucial 9-2 spurt with five straight points to take the fight out of the Fuel Masters.

Donovan Smith poured everything he got with 36 points and 14 rebounds but were just not enough to prevent the playoffs doors from closing to to the Fuel Masters.