NLEX's JB Bahio in action. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – NLEX overwhelmed PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup and Governors' Cup champion TNT in its first game in the Philippine Cup, 91-74, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

All eyes were on TNT as it seeks the coveted grand slam under a new moniker, Tropang 5G, in the season-ending conference.

But the Road Warriors wanted no business in that, as they secured their second straight win coming off a triumph over Rain or Shine last time around, 109–95.

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It was JB Bahio who gave NLEX the lead for good in the second period at the 23-21 count, as the grand slam-seeking side failed to return into the match.

NLEX outscored TNT in that frame, 26-16, and later in the third, 21-16.

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Balanced attack from the Road Warriors paved the way for that victory, as Bahio, Robert Bolick, and Xyrus Torres all chipped in 13 points each, while three more players listed double-digit scoring in Javee Mocon (11 points), Enoch Valdez (10 points), and Brandon Ramirez (10 points).

"Sa 'kin lang, binibigay ko lang 'yong best ko, 'di ko lang sinasayang 'yung opportunity na binibigay ni coach Jong [Uichico]," said Bahio, who also added 12 rebounds and four assists.

Two players from TNT breached twin-digit scoring, with RR Pogoy pacing the pack at 12 points, while Kelly Williams registered 11 points.

NLEX guns for a third straight victory against Blackwater on Friday, May 2, while TNT aims to enter the win column on Sunday, April 27, against Converge.

The Scores:

NLEX 91 – Bahio 13, Torres 13, Bolick 13, Mocon 11, Ramirez 10, Valdez 10, Semerad 6, Nieto 5, Alas 3, Fajardo 2

TNT 74 – Pogoy 12, Williams 11, Enciso 9, Erram 9, Nambatac 9, Oftana 8, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 4, Payawal 3, Ebona 2, Heruala 0, Varilla 0

QUARTERS: 21-19, 47-35, 68-51, 91-74