PBA: NLEX erases double-digit deficit, stuns ROS to earn share of lead

MANILA, April 30 ------ Robert Bolick took charge in the closing seconds to lift NLEX over Rain or Shine, 92-90, in a thrilling clash in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Road Warriors erased a 14-point deficit and proved to be more poised in the closing stretch as they handed the Elasto Painters their second loss of the conference. Both teams now have identical 8-2 win-loss records, sharing the top two spots in the league standings. NLEX trailed 87-79 with seven minutes to go but steadily worked their way back, with a stunning four-pointer by Bolick putting them ahead, 90-87, with 1:19 to play. Rain or Shine responded through Luis Villegas, who drilled a clutch triple of his own off a Jaylen Johnson assist to knot the count at 90 with just 45 seconds left in the game.

Bolick was hounded into a turnover by Gian Mamuyac in NLEX's next possession, and a foul by Anthony Semerad on Jhonard Clarito gave Rain or Shine a chance to regain the lead. But Clarito bricked both of his shots, and in the ensuing NLEX possession, Bolick set up JB Bahio for the go-ahead jump shot from the baseline, 92-90.

The Elasto Painters still had three-tenths of a second left to pull off a miracle, but Bolick stole Mamuyac's inbound pass that was meant for Johnson to seal the win for the Road Warriors. Bolick finished with 30 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds, making up for the six turnovers that he committed. NLEX import Cady Lalanne added 21 points and 14 boards. Johnson had an all-around effort of 17 points, 15 boards, and eight assists in the loss, while Adrian Nocum added 15 points. Unfortunately for Rain or Shine, they went ice-cold in the final quarter, scoring only 12 points and having few answers for Bolick down the stretch.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com