PBA IN CDO: NLEX escapes San Miguel in thrilling OT clash

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The NLEX Road Warriors pulled off an impressive overtime win over the San Miguel Beermen, 112-108, in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup on August 21, 2024, held at the Aquilino Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro.

As both teams aimed for respective bounce-backs after dropping their last outings, it was the Road Warriors who had more gas left in the tank after hitting clutch shot after clutch shot in the five-minute overtime extension period.

Jhan Nermal kicked off NLEX’s overtime rampage after scoring on a bursting coast-to-coast layup followed by cold-blooded baskets from import Myke Henry and Ritchie Rodger.

However, it was Robbie Herndon who sucked the life out of San Miguel after burying the biggest three-pointer of the game with only 30 seconds remaining in OT.

After a loose ball scramble, Michael Miranda found the open Herndon from the left elbow who swished the clutch trey, giving NLEX the commanding 110-106 advantage.

With only a little time remaining, San Miguel felt the pressure in the final 28 seconds of the game and failed to complete the comeback.

Both squads engaged in a nip-and-tuck affair as NLEX struck early courtesy of the laser-focused Robert Bolick who was attacking San Miguel’s interior at will.

After Bolick’s eruption, San Miguel countered back with their own run after CJ Perez, Jordan Adams, and June Mar Fajardo joined hands to help their squad retake the cushion.

In the intense fourth quarter, NLEX was already poised to run away with the victory after building a five-point lead in the final minute, 98-93.

However, a late offensive run by San Miguel helped them equalize the ball game at 98-all that forced the overtime period.

CJ Perez’s three-point play off a drive to the basket cut their deficit to just a deuce while Adams’ strong layup capped off the SMB rampage in the fourth.

Unfortunately, the Beermen faced an unexpected scoring avalanche from NLEX in the overtime period, boosted by their collective effort from all of their fielded players inside the court.

Henry led the Road Warriors in the bounce-back win, dropping 33 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Meanwhile, Bolick added 20 markers and nine rebounds.