SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
NLEX Stuns Meralco In OT Thriller, Bolick-Gonzales Deliver Game-Winner
Photo credit: PBA
The NLEX Road Warriors pulled off one of their gutsiest wins yet, escaping the Meralco Bolts with a 104–101 overtime victory in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. And they did it in style—clutch, composed, and completely fearless when it mattered most.
With the game on the line at the Ynares Center-Montalban, it all came down to one final possession. Robert Bolick had a clean look, but with defense closing in, he made the smarter play—kicking it out to LJay Gonzales. No hesitation. Gonzales fired—and buried the buzzer-beater.
Game over.
The two immediately embraced, celebrating a heart-stopping win that pushed NLEX to four straight victories and into solo second place behind the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
But this wasn’t just about one shot—it was about resilience.
Down by as much as 17 points, the Road Warriors clawed their way back, forcing overtime behind back-to-back triples from Tony Semerad and Bolick. Even after head coach Jong Uichico was ejected in the second quarter, the team stayed locked in.
“Para kay coach Jong ang panalo namin,” Gonzales said after the game, dedicating the win to their ejected mentor.
Stepping up in a big way was import Cady Lalanne, who dominated with 34 points and 25 rebounds in a monster performance that kept NLEX within striking distance all night.
Meanwhile, Meralco had its own stars shining. Marvin Jones led the charge with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Chris Newsome, Jvee Mocon, CJ Cansino, and Jason Brickman all delivered solid numbers.
Still, despite controlling most of the game, the Bolts couldn’t stop NLEX’s late surge.
And the irony? Gonzales, the hero of the night, was ice-cold from deep before that final shot—missing all four of his earlier attempts.
“Luckily, he hit it,” said assistant coach Borgie Hermida, who took over after Uichico’s exit.
Luckily? Maybe.
Clutch? Definitely.
With both teams now firmly in the hunt for a Top Four finish and a twice-to-beat edge, this thriller could end up being one of the defining games of the conference.
And if NLEX keeps playing like this? They’re not just winning—they’re making statements.
With the game on the line at the Ynares Center-Montalban, it all came down to one final possession. Robert Bolick had a clean look, but with defense closing in, he made the smarter play—kicking it out to LJay Gonzales. No hesitation. Gonzales fired—and buried the buzzer-beater.
Game over.
The two immediately embraced, celebrating a heart-stopping win that pushed NLEX to four straight victories and into solo second place behind the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
But this wasn’t just about one shot—it was about resilience.
Down by as much as 17 points, the Road Warriors clawed their way back, forcing overtime behind back-to-back triples from Tony Semerad and Bolick. Even after head coach Jong Uichico was ejected in the second quarter, the team stayed locked in.
“Para kay coach Jong ang panalo namin,” Gonzales said after the game, dedicating the win to their ejected mentor.
Stepping up in a big way was import Cady Lalanne, who dominated with 34 points and 25 rebounds in a monster performance that kept NLEX within striking distance all night.
Meanwhile, Meralco had its own stars shining. Marvin Jones led the charge with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Chris Newsome, Jvee Mocon, CJ Cansino, and Jason Brickman all delivered solid numbers.
Still, despite controlling most of the game, the Bolts couldn’t stop NLEX’s late surge.
And the irony? Gonzales, the hero of the night, was ice-cold from deep before that final shot—missing all four of his earlier attempts.
“Luckily, he hit it,” said assistant coach Borgie Hermida, who took over after Uichico’s exit.
Luckily? Maybe.
Clutch? Definitely.
With both teams now firmly in the hunt for a Top Four finish and a twice-to-beat edge, this thriller could end up being one of the defining games of the conference.
And if NLEX keeps playing like this? They’re not just winning—they’re making statements.
Apr 18, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
