NLEX outlasts San Miguel in CDO
NLEX displayed remarkable resilience and relied on its secondary players to secure a thrilling overtime victory against San Miguel, 112-108, on Saturday during the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Aquilino Pimintel International Convention Center in Cagayan De Oro City.
The Road Warriors notched their third win in four games, buoyed by crucial contributions from players outside of their star duo, Myke Henry and Robert Bolick.
Former San Miguel player Robbie Herndon delivered a pivotal three-pointer with just 28.2 seconds left, propelling NLEX to a 110-106 advantage.
Richie Rodger made his mark in overtime with four key points, while Jhan Nermal ignited the extra period with a three-point play that established momentum for the Road Warriors.
Henry showcased his usual brilliance, contributing 33 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, but it was his teammates that provided essential support.
Bolick added 20 points to the mix, while Mike Miranda had a notable 17 points, including a dramatic four-point play that put NLEX ahead, 96-93, with 2:16 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Jonnel Policarpio chipped in with 12 points, while Nermal and Herndon each contributed 10 points to the Road Warriors’ efforts. Rodger, though limited to six points, made a significant impact with two crucial field goals in overtime.
The tide seemed to turn for NLEX after Miranda’s four-point play, which was quickly followed by a Bolick layup that extended their lead to 98-93 with 1:29 left in regulation. However, CJ Perez answered back with a three-point play, and Jordan Adams tied the game at 98 with just 1.7 seconds on the clock, forcing overtime.
Adams briefly gave SMB a one-point lead with a layup, making it 104-103, but that marked the last time the Beermen held an advantage. San Miguel fell to 2-2, suffering their second consecutive defeat after losing to Barangay Ginebra last Tuesday, where Justin Brownlee exploded for 51 points.
Adams led all scorers with 36 points, while Perez contributed 29 for the Beermen.
