NLEX Survives Scare, Beats TNT in OT After Import's Horror Fall

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The NLEX Road Warriors huddled for a prayer as DeQuan Jones was wheeled off the court following a horrific injury. Coach Jimmy Alapag then delivered a simple message: “The best we can do is to honor DJ on what he means to the team.”

His players took it to heart, grinding out a 118-111 overtime win over the TNT Tropang 5G to hold onto the top spot in Group A of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Tuesday.

The Road Warriors regrouped after losing DeQuan Jones to injury during the game. [PBA Images]

A Scary Injury Tests NLEX’s Resolve

Despite losing Jones to a suspected complete fracture of his lower right leg in the third quarter, NLEX displayed remarkable poise, bouncing back from an upset loss to Terrafirma, 109-114, in its previous outing.

Jones went down at the 7:27 mark of the third quarter, his right foot catching underneath him as TNT defender Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser landed on top of him during a strong drive to the basket. He was wheeled out on a stretcher moments later, though he still found the strength to flash a thumbs-up to his teammates.

“My deepest prayers go to DJ. More than the basketball player, it’s the person. His value to this team goes far beyond what he can do in the basketball game, but it’s the person,” Alapag said. “It’s hard to see him go down,” he added.

Bolick and Gonzales Rise to the Occasion

The Road Warriors saw a 10-point cushion evaporate after Jones’ exit, even trailing by five late in regulation, but they refused to fold.

Robert Bolick came up big with two four-point plays down the stretch of regulation, the second of which sent the game to overtime knotted at 107-all. He closed the night with 27 points, eight assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. LJ Gonzales then took over in the extra period, erupting for a career-high 26 points to power NLEX to its seventh win against a single loss.

Robert Bolick helped NLEX overcome a difficult night against TNT. [PBA Images]

Bolick put the finishing touch on the victory with a steal off Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson and a fastbreak assist to Tony Semerad, building a seven-point cushion, 116-111, with 46.2 seconds remaining.

“It’s a lost game but Berto got us back into the game with big-time shots. And LJ was huge down the stretch,” Alapag said.

TNT fell to 4-4 and slipped to third place in the standings with the loss.