NLEX outlasts Hong Kong Eastern to boost quarterfinal chances

The NLEX Road Warriors claimed their third consecutive win over Hong Kong Eastern, 94-76, to secure at least a playoff for a quarterfinals spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.

The Road Warriors claimed the victory over the slumping guest team during their Chinese New Year faceoff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to finish with a 6-6 win-loss slate, in the process, ultimately eliminating traditional powerhouse San Miguel Beermen from playoff contention.

Import Mike Watkins erupted a conference-high 41 points on top of 14 rebounds and two blocks.

Robert Bolick backstopped Watkins with 21 markers, eight dimes, and five boards, while rookie Jonnel Policarpio and Javee Mocon added nine points apiece. 

Eastern suffered its second loss in a row, bringing the eliminations to 7-5 and putting itself in danger of dropping as low as seventh if Rain or Shine wins on Friday, January 31.

Fatigue has set in for the visitors, who are also competing in the East Asia Super League and were eliminated in the semifinals of the Hong Kong A1 Championship.

Import Chris McLaughlin top scored for Hong Kong Eastern with 18 markers, 17 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

The team concluded its elimination round campaign with back-to-back losses, dropping to sixth place with a 7-5 record, crushing their top two chances.

Hayden Blankley posted 14 points. Glen Yang contributed 12 markers and eight boards, while Kobey Lam tallied 11 for the Eastern.

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, Cheung 5, Chan 4, Guinchard 3, Pok 2, Leung 2.

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