Calvin Oftana banks game-winner as NLEX stays alive in QF showdown vs. Meralco

Rookie Calvin Oftana helped the NLEX Road Warriors stay alive in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs with an 81-80 victory against the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday in Bacolor, Pampanga.

With six seconds left in the game, Oftana drained a layup off an inbound pass from Jericho Cruz as the Road Warriors neutralized the Bolts' twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

The two teams will battle in the do-or-die game on Friday with the semis ticket at stake.

Leading by two at halftime, 44-42, NLEX launched a stronger third quarter after a quick 15-8 run, eight of which came from Anthony Semerad, to establish its biggest lead of the game at nine at 59-50.

Meralco countered with 14-4 rampage highlighted by five points from veteran Reynel Hugnatan as the Bolts closed out the third leading by precarious one point, 64-63.

Cruz then shot crucial baskets in the payoff period, including six-straight baskets to give NLEX back the lead at 77-73. Bolts regained the upper hand after a layup from Hugnatan, 80-79, before Oftana missed his triple attempt with 32 seconds left to play.

Mac Belo missed his three-pointer as well but his teammate Bong Quinto grabbed the rebound as the possession stayed with Meralco with 11 ticks left.

Belo then failed on his two free throws off a foul from JR Quiñahan that led to an opportunity for NLEX to design a play for Oftana.

Oftana finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Semerad led the offensive charge for NLEX, pouring in 23 markers and four boards.

Meralco, meanwhile, leaned on Allen Maliksi who scored 16 points, including three triples, to go along with two assists while Belo and Quinto carved out 12 and 11 markers, respectively.

Scores:

NLEX 81 - Semerad 23, Oftana 12, Trollano 12, Cruz 10, Alas 9, Miranda 5, Soyud 4, Quinahan 4, Paniamogan 2, Ighalo 0

Meralco 80 - Maliksi 16, Belo 12, Hugnatan 11, Quinto 11, Caram 9, Newsome 7, Almazan 6, Hodge 6, Pasaol 2, Baclao 0, Pinto 0

Quarter scores: 20-26, 44-42, 63-64, 81-80

—MGP, GMA News