PBA: NLEX survives TNT’s late rally to stay unbeaten

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The NLEX Road Warriors had to dig deep to edge the TNT Tropang 5G, 88-83, and keep their perfect record intact in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Aug. 4, 2026.

With the gutsy win, the Road Warriors completed a first-round elimination sweep, improving to 6-0 and staying atop the overall team standings.

Just when NLEX thought another walk in the park was in store in its sixth scheduled game, the Tropang 5G found ways to inch closer, erasing the Road Warriors’ 17-point lead in the final four minutes of the third quarter.

Hot shooting from import DeQuan Jones, Robert Bolick, and Schonny Winston helped NLEX build a comfortable lead heading into the second half, but TNT slowly willed its way back into the game after turning the lopsided affair into a scrappy and physical battle.

After staying passive in the passing lanes and struggling to read NLEX’s high-low post plays to Jones, TNT suddenly shifted into another gear defensively, forcing head coach Jimmy Alapag’s wards into woeful shooting in the second half.

NLEX built a commanding 17-point lead twice, but TNT rallied after Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson’s layup trimmed its deficit to three points, 68-65, with 46 seconds left in the third quarter.

TNT’s golden opportunity came with only six minutes remaining in the game after Hollis-Jefferson rifled a pass to a wide-open Glenn Khobuntin in the left corner, but the Tropang 5G’s veteran swingman failed to sink the momentum-shifting 3-pointer.

Fortunately for NLEX, L-Jay Gonzales raced down the lane for a deuce, giving the Road Warriors a sigh of relief and a two-point cushion, which was later followed by much-needed baskets from Tony Semerad and Jones.

That two-minute swing in NLEX’s favor helped restore order for Alapag and also sucked the life out of TNT, which never pulled even after consecutive misses cost it a chance to complete the massive upset.

Jones delivered another consistent performance to lead NLEX with 27 points and seven rebounds, while the backcourt tandem of Bolick and Winston added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

On the other hand, Hollis-Jefferson’s all-around masterclass went to waste, as his 22-10-5 stat line was not enough to propel TNT to a win.

The Road Warriors will resume their quest for a strong start to the second round of eliminations on Aug. 7, 2026, against the struggling Terrafirma Dyip, while TNT will aim to bounce back on Aug. 8, 2026, against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.