By Adrian Stewart Co

NLEX Road Warriors picked up their first win in the 2019 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a 100-91 victory over the Meralco Bolts last Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Tony Mitchell led the win with a double-double on 32 points and 20 rebounds, while Ilonggo guard Jericho Cruz added 16 markers, and Pedrito Galanza contributed 13 points.
Holding to a slight advantage after the first 12 minutes, NLEX surged to a 46-36 edge on triples by John Paul Erram and Kenneth Ighalo. While Meralco got to within 39-36, late hits from Galanza and Mitchell gave NLEX a 56-49 halftime edge.
In the third period, Paul Varilla, Philip Paniamogan, and Cruz pushed NLEX to its largest lead of 23 points. However, Meralco rallied and narrowed their deficit to 85-70 heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter, Meralco went on a run and got as close as 91-87 but timely baskets from Mitchell and free throws by Cruz increased NLEX’ lead back to 100-91./ASC, WDJ