Earl Clark scored 40 points to go with 14 rebounds as the NLEX Road Warriors put the Meralco Bolts out of contention, 92-81, on Wednesday in the 2022-23 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Clark drilled in 13 points in the last period, as the Road Warriors came up with a big offensive in the last six minutes of the contest.
“It’s the boys making stops that triggered their offense. They enjoyed going on offense,” said Road Warriors’ coach Frankie Lim.
NLEX went on the attack in the last 6:06 off Clark’s triple which broke a 77-all deadlock.
Clark went on to tally eight points during a 14-0 run that followed as the Road Warriors took a 88-77 edge in the 1:50 mark.
The Road Warriors, who got 16 points from Don Trollano, finished the eliminations with a 5-7 win-loss record in 10th place.
The Bolts’ setback gave them a 4-7 record and handed the San Miguel Beermen, NorthPort and Phoenix Super LPG a free ride to the quarterfinals.
NLEX is still hopeful that it will still have a shot at the playoff for the eight spot in the quarterfinals.
The chances of the Road Warriors now hinge on a loss by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their clash with the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday.
If the Hotshots win, this will force a playoff for the No. 8 spot.