NLEX rode on KJ McDaniels’ all-around game to roll back Blackwater, 117-97, and snap a three-game losing skid in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

McDaniels struck hardest for the Road Warriors, finishing with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four blocks in nearly 39 minutes.

Jericho Cruz contributed a conference- high 22 points for NLEX, which led by as many as 26 points.

Kris Rosales added 18 points and Kevin Alas contributed 15 points for NLEX.

McDaniels and Cruz were responsible for the Road Warriors’ blistering 18-2 run early in the game that put them ahead for good, 24-10.

The Bossing never recovered from there.

The loss extended Blackwater’s record of futility to 26 straight losses, including seven in this conference.

The Bossing have not won a PBA game since October 2020.

Import Shawn Glover scored 39 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for Blackwater.

Later,Talk N Text overpowered Barangay Ginebra, 119-92, for a 4-4 record.

The Tropang Giga made 21 three-pointers with Ryan Reyes hitting eight, Mikey Williams adding four and Kib Montalbo and Glenn Khobuntin contributing three each.

“We shot the lights out. Ryan (Reyes) shot 8-of-9 and we wish we can shoot like that every night,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 25 points and nine rebounds, followed by Japeth Aguilar with 18.

The Gin Kings dropped to 3-3.

In other developments:

— PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said a total of five companies have expressed interest in acquiring multi-titled Alaska franchise.

Marcial said three individuals have directly communicated with him, while another two while the other two talked with Alaska team governor Dickie Bachmann.

“May lima nang may gusto at nagtatanong sa prangkisa (ng Alaska),” said Marcial.

Last Wednesday, Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu announced the franchise’s decision to leave the league after 35 seasons

— East Asia Super League (EASL) team Greater China will participate as a guest team in the PBA Governors. Cup next year.

Marcial said the PBA Board already approved the participation of the team representing Greater China.

The scores:

First game

NLEX (117) — McDaniels 24, Cruz 22, Rosales 18, Alas 15, Trollano 11, Murrell 7, Quinahan 6, Nieto 4, Galanza 3, Soyud 2, Paniamogan 0, Varilla 0, Porter 0, Ighalo 0.
Blackwater (97) — Glover 39, Suerte 11, Ayonayon 11, Amer 8, McCarthy 7, Baloria 5, Escoto 4, Ebona 3, Desiderio 3, Washington 2, Ambolutdo 2, Melton 0, Chauca 0, Paras 0, Casio 0.
Quarterscores: 34-14; 58-41; 92-76; 117-97.

Second game

TNT (119 )– M. Williams 26, Reyes 24, Castro 18, Fuller 13, Montalbo 9, Khobuntin 9, Banal 5, Rosario 4, Heruela 4, Marcelo 3, K.Williams 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Cruz 0, Erram 0
Ginebra (92) – Brownlee 25, J. Aguilar 18, Standhardinger 16, Thompson 11, Tolentino 9, Tenorio 5, Pinto 4, Chan 2, Caperal 1, Enriquez 1, Ayaay 0
Quarterscores: 34-28, 60-53, 94-74, 119-92.