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NLEX secures playoff for QF spot with win vs Eastern, ousts San Miguel from contention


NLEX secured at least a playoff for a top eight spot after defeating Eastern, 94-76, Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win improved the Road Warriors' win-loss record to 6-6 at the end of the elimination round, and also eliminated San Miguel from the quarterfinals race as it finished with a 5-7 card. This is the first time that San Miguel missed the quarterfinals since 2015.

The quarterfinals-bound Eastern, meanwhile, finished with a 7-5 card.

NLEX had a slim 43-42 lead at the end of the first half before it pulled away and led 65-57 by the end of the third period. The Hong Kong-based squad had a hard time catching up as NLEX had its biggest lead, 88-69, after a Robert Bolick triple at the 3:55 mark of the fourth period before the Road Warriors clinched the win.

"We'll take this, basta may tsansa kami. Earlier, two weeks ago, we were on the brink of elimination pero ngayon may tsansa kami so we'll take this," NLEX head coach Jong Uichico said.

Mike Watkins dropped 41 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, while Robert Bolick led the locals with 21 points, despite playing in pain after an awkward landing in the third period.

Chris McLaughlin led Eastern with 18 points and 17 boards, while Hayden Blankley had 14 points.

The final quarterfinals matchups, however, will still be determined with three remaining games yet to be played.

Barangay Ginebra and Meralco will still play tonight, while Meralco will go against Magnolia on Friday, followed by the match between TNT and Barangay Ginebra.

Scores:

NLEX 94 – Watkins 41, Bolick 21, Mocon 9, Policarpio 9, Herndon 6, Torres 5, Ramirez 3, Alas 0, Semerad 0.

Eastern 76 – McLaughlin 18, Blankley 14, Yang 12, Lam 11, Cao 5, Cheuung 5, Chan 4, Guincahrd 3, Pok 2, Leung 2.

Quarters: 18-23, 43-42, 65-57, 94-76.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News