Road Warriors stymie Painters to keep quarters hopes afloat

MANILA, Philippines -- The NLEX Road Warriors bagged a crucial victory at the expense of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 122-110, in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

This victory put NLEX at a prime position for a shot at making the import-laden conference’s quarterfinals as they rose to 5-6, good for the ninth position just behind the San Miguel Beermen.

Rain or Shine, for its part, dropped to 6-5 as they clung onto the seventh spot.

Robert Bolick exploded for 40 points to go with 10 assists and six rebounds. Michael Griffin-Watkins added 25 markers and 14 boards, to go with two swats.

NLEX led by as much as 22 points, 73-51, in the third quarter after a 4-pointer by Bolick.

But Rain or Shine unleashed a 24-9 run to cut the lead to just seven, 75-82, at the 2:12 mark of the same frame after a pair of free throws by Deon Thompson.

The Elasto Painters continued to nip away the lead, going to within five, 81-86, early on in the fourth after two foul shots from Jhonard Clarito.

But NLEX heated up anew, unleashing seven straight points capped by back-to-back layups by Kevin Alas to grab a 12-point advantage, 93-81, with 10:12 left.

Rain or Shine tried to mount another comeback, slicing the deficit to just seven, 90-97, with a dipsy-doo layup by Adrian Nocum.

But the Road Warriors would not be denied, pulling away with an 11-2 run courtesy of Xyrus Torres and Anthony Semerad to push the lead to 16, 108-92.

Thompson halted the blitz with a short jumper, 94-108, but Griffin-Watkins slammed the ball home, followed by an and-one play, to close the door on Rain or Shine.

The lead grew to as much as 20 points once again, 118-98, after Bolick’s free throws.

The Elasto Painters finally connected on their shots, but it was a little too late.

Semerad added 17 points off the bench for NLEX, while Torres had 12. Alas and Javee Mocon had 11 and 10, respectively.

Thompson carried the load for Rain or Shine, which dropped their fourth game in five contests, with 26 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Clarito chipped in 20 off the bench, while Nocum had 16.

NLEX will try to pump blood into their quarterfinal bid against Hong Kong Eastern on January 29.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine will try to finish their conferenc strong against TNT Tropang Giga on January 31.