NLEX survives San Miguel in OT to get back on winning track

MANILA, Philippines – The NLEX Road Warriors returned to their winning ways in the PBA Governors’ Cup after completing a thrilling 112-108 overtime escape against the San Miguel Beermen at the Aquilino Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro on Saturday, August 31.

NLEX forward Robbie Herndon came through when it mattered most as he sank a crucial three-pointer with 28.2 seconds left in the extra period to give the Road Warriors a decisive 110-106 edge. 

Eighth-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo immediately responded with an easy basket to make it a two-point game, before Robert Bolick calmly sank two free throws to extend NLEX’s lead back to four, 112-108. 

The Beermen had two opportunities to tie the game and potentially send it into another overtime in the dying seconds with the league’s new four-point shot, but CJ Perez and Chris Ross failed to connect on their respective four-point attempts as time expired. 

It was a total team effort for NLEX as five players scored in double figures, with import Myke Henry showing the way with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Robert Bolick added 20 points, Michael Miranda contributed 17, Jonnel Policarpio produced 12, while Jhan Nermal and Herndon had 10 each for the Road Warriors.

On the other side, Jordan Adams topscored for the Beermen with 36 points, while Perez and Fajardo came up with 29 and 19 markers, respectively, in the losing cause.

With San Miguel only trailing by two, 96-98, after Bolick failed to convert on his fadeaway jumper with 5.6 seconds left in regulation, it was Adams who converted on the clutch game-tying layup with just 1.7 ticks remaining.

Bolick had a chance to win it all for the Road Warriors in the final play of the fourth quarter, but his potential game-winning three missed the mark.

In overtime, NLEX guard Richie Rodger also stepped up big as he scored four of his six points, including a crafty layup that gave the Road Warriors a 107-104 lead with 44.8 seconds to play. 

With the hard-earned victory, NLEX moved up to 3-1 in Group B, while San Miguel – which suffered its second straight loss – fell to 2-2. 

The Scores

NLEX 112 – Henry 33, Bolick 20, Miranda 17, Policarpio 12, Nermal 10, Herndon 10, Rodger 6, Fajardo 2, Amer 2, Pascual 0, Marcelo 0, Valdez 0.

San Miguel 108 – Adams 36, Perez 29, Fajardo 19, Romeo 6, Trollano 5, Ross 4, Lassiter 3, Rosales 3, Manuel 2, Tautuaa 1, Cruz 0, Teng 0, Nava 0.

Quarters: 20-23, 52-47, 69-74, 98-98 (reg.), 112-108 (OT).

– Rappler.com