Road Warriors running smoothly

MANILA, Philippines —  NLEX revved up early against Terrafirma to set the tone for an emphatic 117-87 romp in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Road Warriors detonated a 26-4 bomb to bury the Dyip in a 21-point hole in the first canto and kept their foot fully pressed on the pedal en route to notching their fifth straight win.

At 5-1 overall, coach Jong Uichico’s charges strengthened their hold of No. 2 while sending the Dyip on the brink with their sixth consecutive blowout loss and a 1-6 card.

Rookie Brandon Ramirez punched in a new season-high 21 points to lead NLEX.

Later, Magnolia extended its unbeaten streak to six as it dominated holder Meralco, 117-92, in an intense duel marred by a late altercation between Zav Lucero and Cliff Hodge.