PBA: NLEX escapes in OT thriller, deals San Miguel back-to-back losses

NLEX was unable to finish the job in regulation, but did it in extra period with a 112-108 overtime victory over San Miguel to regain its winning ways in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Saturday in Cagayan de Oro.

The Road Warriors, who were coming off a loss to red-hot Rain or Shine last Wednesday, improved to 3-1 in Group B while the Beermen sank to their second straight loss to go 2-2. 

NLEX was already holding a comfortable 98-93 lead in the fourth, but a three-point play from CJ Perez and a quick layup from Jordan Adams allowed San Miguel to force a deadlock and eventually, the overtime. 

But the Road Warriors proved steadier in the clutch with Robbie Herndon sinking a massive three-pointer off a broken play to give NLEX a 110-106 cushion with 28.2 seconds left in OT. 

June Mar Fajardo, though, dropped a quick layup off the timeout that slashed just 2.3 seconds off the game clock. 

Robert Bolick then completed two freebies for a crucial five-point advantage for the Road Warriors.
 
San Miguel tried to slice the gap anew, but Perez and Chris Ross both went wide on their triple attempts as NLEX held on to seal their third victory in four outings. 

Scores:

NLEX 112 – Henry 33, Bolick 20, Miranda 17, Policarpio 12, Nermal 10, Herndon 10, Rodger 6, Fajardo 2, Amer 2, Pascual 0, Marcelo 0, Valdez 0.

San Miguel 108 – Adams 36, Perez 29, Fajardo 19, Romeo 6, Trollano 5, Ross 4, Lassiter 3, Rosales 3, Manuel 2, Tautuaa 1, Cruz 0, Teng 0, Nava 0.

Quarters: 20-23, 52-47, 69-74, 98-98, 112-108.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News