ICYMI | Phoenix, NLEX sizzle with 2–0 starts in Commissioner’s Cup

Phoenix and NLEX both surged to 2–0 starts after defeating Titan Ultra and Magnolia, respectively, in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ynares Sports Center on March 15.

Phoenix followed up its narrow win over Magnolia with a dominant 109–76 rout of Titan Ultra, never letting up from start to finish.

The beatdown was spearheaded by Ricci Rivero, who racked up 18 markers along with nine rebounds, while import James Dickey III posted a double-double show with 17 points and 17 boards. 

The former Green Archer, Evan Nelle, who blasted three 4-pointers in the fourth, hosted a 16–2 meltdown to carve out a 14-point performance along with eight assists, three rebounds, and three steals in the absence of key teammates Jayson Perkins and Tyler Tio.

Meanwhile, NLEX stayed unbeaten with a 112–105 victory over Magnolia, completing another comeback effort.

The Road Warriors erased a 13-point first-half deficit before taking control in the second half behind sustained defensive pressure and timely shot-making.

In a post-game interview, NLEX head coach Jong Uichico shared their mentality upon facing Magnolia.

“It was a great comeback by us at the end of the first half. I think we got back early. We showed intensity. Magnolia is a heavy opponent. They’re big, and they have a good system,” Uichico shared, according to Inquirer.net.

“We only had one day of preparation like them, so we felt they were extra motivated, and they showed it too,” he added.

Import Cady Lalanne paced NLEX with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Schonny Winston added 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists, including key baskets down the stretch.