The NLEX Road Warriors continued their flawless campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, fending off a determined TNT Tropang 5G squad for an 88-83 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Behind another dominant performance from Player of the Game DeQuan Jones, NLEX improved to a perfect 6-0, strengthening its grip atop the standings.
While the final margin was only five points, the Road Warriors showed why they have emerged as one of the conference’s toughest teams. They built a commanding lead early, weathered a fierce comeback from the defending champions, and executed when it mattered most to preserve their unbeaten record.
NLEX Takes Control Early
The Road Warriors came out with tremendous energy, setting the tone with aggressive defense and efficient offense. Their ball movement created quality scoring opportunities, while their defensive pressure forced TNT into difficult possessions.
NLEX carried that momentum into the second quarter, stretching its advantage to as much as 17 points. DeQuan Jones consistently attacked the basket, while the locals complemented him with timely outside shooting and disciplined execution on both ends of the floor.
By halftime, the Road Warriors looked firmly in control and appeared headed for another convincing victory.
DeQuan Jones Leads the Charge
Player of the Game DeQuan Jones once again proved why he has become one of the league’s most reliable imports.
Jones finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, delivering timely baskets whenever TNT threatened to swing the momentum. His ability to score inside, defend multiple positions, and provide leadership on the floor became instrumental in NLEX’s sixth straight victory.
His consistency has been a major reason behind the Road Warriors’ perfect start to the Governors’ Cup, as he continues to deliver on both ends of the floor night after night.
TNT Mounts a Fierce Comeback
Despite missing several key players due to injuries, TNT displayed the championship heart that has made them one of the PBA’s elite teams.
Led by Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, the Tropang 5G slowly chipped away at NLEX’s comfortable lead through relentless defense and improved rebounding. Their persistence paid off late in the fourth quarter when Hollis-Jefferson scored to cut the deficit to 85-83 with 2:12 remaining, putting enormous pressure on the previously unbeaten Road Warriors.
Momentum had clearly shifted, but NLEX refused to fold.
Patience Wins the Game
Rather than panic, the Road Warriors relied on the calm leadership of head coach Jimmy Alapag.
Following the game, DeQuan Jones revealed the message Alapag repeatedly emphasized during TNT’s comeback.
“He (Jimmy Alapag) just preached patience. We just had to weather the storm. We didn’t like how they started with their rebounds so we had to keep them off the glass to weather the storm,” Jones said.
Jones added that NLEX expected TNT to adjust throughout the contest, making it essential for the Road Warriors to stay disciplined offensively.
“We knew coming in that they would throw different looks at us and take away our plays and slow us down a little bit. It was just a matter of initiating our offensive sets on the half court.”
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The Road Warriors followed that advice perfectly. They tightened their defense, controlled the pace, and prevented TNT from completing its comeback.
With just 17 seconds remaining, Schonny Winston calmly knocked down two clutch free throws to extend the lead to 87-83, effectively sealing another important victory for NLEX.
Complete Team Effort
Although Jones earned Player of the Game honors, NLEX once again showcased outstanding team basketball.
LJ Gonzales provided valuable support with 11 points, while Robert Bolick contributed 10 points and orchestrated the offense throughout the contest. Every Road Warrior embraced their role, helping the team remain composed during TNT’s late rally.
On the other side, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson led TNT with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Rey Nambatac, Glenn Khobuntin, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser each finished with 13 points. Despite the loss, the Tropang 5G displayed the resilience expected from the defending champions.
Jimmy Alapag’s Winning Formula
The victory marked another milestone for first-year head coach Jimmy Alapag, whose system continues to bring out the best in the Road Warriors.
Under Alapag, NLEX has developed into one of the league’s most disciplined teams, combining stingy defense with unselfish offense. More importantly, the players have fully embraced his philosophy of staying composed regardless of the situation.
Jones’ postgame comments reflected that mindset perfectly, highlighting the confidence the team has in its coach and in one another.
NLEX Remains the Team to Beat
Improving to 6-0, the Road Warriors have firmly established themselves as legitimate championship contenders in the Governors’ Cup.
This victory may have been their toughest yet. After seeing a 17-point advantage nearly disappear, NLEX responded with maturity, poise, and championship-level execution in crunch time.
With DeQuan Jones continuing to play at an elite level and the supporting cast consistently stepping up, the Road Warriors are proving that their unbeaten record is no fluke.
If NLEX continues to combine disciplined defense, balanced scoring, and the patient mindset preached by Jimmy Alapag, the Road Warriors will remain one of the biggest threats to capture the PBA Governors’ Cup championship.
