NLEX defeated Magnolia 107-99 on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, overcoming an early 19-point deficit to become the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup’s improbable solitary leader.

Through the outside shooting of Brandon Ramirez, Xyrus Torres, and Robert Bolick, the Road Warriors overcame a 32-13 deficit to win by eight points, securing the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals with an 8-2 win-loss record.

Bolick scored the most points (25), breaking a 64-64 stalemate early in the fourth quarter with back-to-back fours. With 1:20 left, he also made a three-pointer to increase the gap to 104-91.

The wide-bodied Ramirez scored 18 points and tied Torres’ four three-pointers, while Torres added 22 points on 4-of-7 three-point shooting.

Magnolia, which had led the all-Filipino conference from the beginning, dropped to second place on a 7-3 slate after losing consecutive games.

Bolick made a three-pointer to give the Road Warriors their biggest lead of the game, 99-82, after Torres scored nine points in a row to put NLEX ahead 92-80.

For the Road Warriors, Jonnel Policarpio had an incredible performance as well, scoring 12 points and pulling down six rebounds.

After committing 10 turnovers in the first quarter, which led to 15 fastbreak points, NLEX was able to recover.

“They are a great defensive team. We talked about that. We know that they thrive on their defense which we didn’t do well at the start. We turned the ball over a lot. Mabuti na lang, we kept our composure and poise and we were able to come back to the game,” Coach Jong Uichico said.

Ian Sangalang scored 21 points and Zavier Lucero scored 23 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the Hotshots, who even had an early 13-2 lead.

However, Magnolia only had a two-point advantage at the half (46-44), having been outscored 29-14 in the second quarter.

The Scores

NLEX 107 – Bolick 25, Torres 22, Ramirez 18, Policarpio 12, Mocon 10, Alas 9, Bahio 5, Valdez 4, Nieto 2, Semarad 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0.

Magnolia 99 – Lucero 23, Sangalang 21, Lastimosa 17, Lee 16, Ahanmisi 8, Alfaro 4, Dionisio 4, Barroca 2, Navarro 2, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarter scores: 15-32; 44-46; 80-70; 107-90