NLEX, reigning champion TNT Tropang Giga beat their respective rivals on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-five quarterfinals to claim the series opener at Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
The Road Warriors weathered a mighty Phoenix Super LPG comeback by pulling off a 97-92 win while the Tropang 5G routed Magnolia, 92-70, to get a one game series advantage.
Deonte DeAngelo Burton took over NLEX’s offense by scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while Robert Bolick added 20 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Deschon Winston had 13 points also for the Road Warriors.
Ricci Rivero posted 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists to lead the Fuel Masters.
Meanwhile, three-time best import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returned to his deadly form with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals while Calvin Oftana made 13 points plus 11 rebounds to help TNT defeat Magnolia and KJ Buffen.NLEX and TNT shoot for a 2-0 lead on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.