NLEX stuns Meralco in overtime thriller to seize solo second

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NLEX continued its surge in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, pulling off a dramatic 104-101 overtime win against Meralco on Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

The Road Warriors stretched their streak to four straight victories, climbing to solo second in the standings behind Rain or Shine after outlasting the Bolts in a tightly contested battle.

The game came down to the final possession in overtime, where composure proved decisive. Robert Bolick drew the defense before finding LJay Gonzales, who calmly knocked down the game-winning basket at the buzzer.

LJay Gonzales went from scoreless beyond the arc to hero in an instant, proving that confidence and timing can change everything in crunch time. [PBA Images]

The two immediately celebrated the moment, embracing at center court after delivering one of the most thrilling finishes of the conference.

Gonzales delivers clutch as NLEX rallies late

NLEX had to dig deep after trailing by as many as 17 points earlier in the contest. The Road Warriors slowly chipped away at the deficit before forcing overtime behind back-to-back three-pointers from Tony Semerad and Bolick.

Despite struggling from beyond the arc for most of the game, Gonzales stepped up when it mattered most. Entering the final play without a three-point make, he drained the biggest shot of the night to seal the win.

“Para kay coach Jong ang panalo namin,” said Gonzales, dedicating the victory to head coach Jong Uichico, who was ejected in the second quarter.

Assistant Borgie Hermida, who took over after the ejection, acknowledged the moment with a simple reaction.

“Luckily, he hit it, he made it,” Hermida said.

Lalanne anchors effort as Road Warriors rise

Import Cady Lalanne powered NLEX throughout the game with a dominant performance, finishing with 34 points and 25 rebounds in a commanding presence inside the paint.

The Road Warriors showed resilience on both ends, matching Meralco possession for possession in overtime before executing in the clutch. Their ability to stay composed under pressure proved to be the difference.

The victory not only extended NLEX’s hot run but also halted Meralco’s momentum, as both teams entered the matchup tied at 5-1. Despite the loss, the Bolts remain firmly in the hunt for a Top Four finish and the coveted twice-to-beat advantage.

For NLEX, the comeback win reinforced their growing confidence as they continue to establish themselves as one of the league’s top contenders.