MANILA, Philippines – In the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup, the NLEX Road Warriors defeated the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters 87–81 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium after regaining their rhythm and poise. Under the firm direction of Kevin Alas and Robert Bolick, NLEX confidently passed the test of composure and execution.

The Road Warriors appeared more focused and methodical from the first tip than in past games. They moved the ball effectively, attacked with structure, and used smart defensive switches to keep Phoenix off balance. Phoenix matched NLEX’s vigor at first, leading 17–14 at the end of the first quarter, but the Road Warriors overcame them in the second.

NLEX took control and led 45–30 at the half after outscoring Phoenix 31–13 in the second quarter due to Kevin Alas’s unrelenting drives and jumpers. Their defense forced turnovers that resulted in fast-break scores and confined the Fuel Masters to poor shot choices. Additionally, the second unit stepped up, contributing vital minutes that kept the starters fresh and NLEX’s energy levels high.

Phoenix responded in the third period thanks to the efforts of Encho Serrano and Jason Perkins. With more aggressive penetration and offensive rebounds, they gradually reduced the deficit. But each time Phoenix seemed poised to change the pace, either Bolick or Alas had a response. NLEX always appeared to regain control right when the game got tight, whether it was a crucial assist or a clutch mid-range shot.

With a game-high 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, Kevin Alas demonstrated his versatility and solidified his position as NLEX’s tactical and emotional leader. Late in the fourth quarter, he had his greatest moment. Alas calmly drained a disputed shot from the elbow with less than a minute left, giving the Road Warriors breathing room at 85-81 with NLEX holding onto an 83-81 lead. Phoenix’s momentum was essentially broken by that basket, which opened the door for victory.

Throughout the game, Robert Bolick, who finished with 14 points and five assists, offered consistency. In the final seconds, he made vital free throws, managed traffic, and produced open looks to seal the victory. His ability to manage the team’s pace and maintain poise under duress made all the difference.

Tony Semerad demonstrated his worth as a reliable interior presence by adding a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. While Xyrus Torres scored 10 points off the bench, including two crucial triples that helped NLEX gain ground in the middle quarters, JB Bahio also provided 11 points. The team’s selflessness and balance were noteworthy, which is encouraging for head coach Frankie Lim, who has been focusing on discipline and organization.

In contrast, Phoenix put up a strong fight but lacked the consistency to hold rallies. Serrano and Larry Muyang contributed offensive sparks, but Perkins spearheaded the Fuel Masters’ push with effective scoring and rebounds. However, defensive errors and lost transitional opportunities proved to be costly, particularly during NLEX’s second-quarter surge. Phoenix was unable to halt Alas and Bolick in the closing minutes, even though they had reduced the deficit to only two points.

With the win, NLEX’s record rose to 2-1, putting them in a solid early-conference position. After a prior defeat that revealed some of their defensive weaknesses, it also helped them regain confidence. The Road Warriors demonstrated patience, control, and improved performance throughout critical possessions this time. The team’s composure was evident in how they handled Phoenix’s final push without panicking—an attribute that separates contenders from pretenders in the Philippine Cup.

For the Road Warriors, the win highlighted their maturing identity. They are beginning to balance their offensive aggressiveness with defensive accountability. Their rotations have tightened, and their ability to respond under pressure—especially from Alas and Bolick—reflects leadership growth. Head coach Frankie Lim has been vocal about wanting his players to trust the system more and rely less on isolation scoring. Against Phoenix, that trust was visible.

Phoenix, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Their resilience and effort were clear, but their tendency to fade during key stretches continues to haunt them. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but will need a stronger defensive structure and a consistent secondary scorer to complement Perkins if they hope to rise in the standings.