NLEX secures playoff spot, eliminates San Miguel
NLEX secured an eighth-place playoff spot after defeating Hong Kong Eastern with a score of 94-76 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mike Watkins led NLEX with a monster double-double of 41 points and 14 rebounds, holding Eastern's import Chris McLaughlin to just 8-of-19 shooting; after the game, Watkins emphasized his determination to keep pushing for playoff contention.
The victory improved NLEX's record to 6-6, eliminating San Miguel from quarterfinals contention as it finished at 5-7; this is the first time since the Commissioner's Cup in 2015 that San Miguel has missed the playoffs.
Former Beermen head coach Jong Uichico led NLEX to victory over Hong Kong Eastern, securing a playoff spot while eliminating San Miguel from contention; Uichico highlighted his team’s resilience and belief in their ability to make it to the next round.
NLEX can advance to the quarterfinals outright if Magnolia loses on Friday against Meralco Bolts, or will need sister team Meralco Bolts to win over Hotshots for an automatic quarterfinal berth.
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