JB BAHIO knocked down a corner jumper with 0.3 seconds left as NLEX pulled off another win in the clutch, beating Rain or Shine, 92-90, in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Bahio's jumper off a Robert Bolick assist gave NLEX an 8-2 (win-loss) record, tying Rain or Shine at the top of the leaderboard.
Bahio's jumper came after Jhonard Clarito missed two free throws with 18.4 seconds left that kept the game tied at 90.
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Bolick's assist also preserved his own heroics that saw him hit a huge four-point shot off a jumpball with 1:18 remaining that gave NLEX a 90-87 lead.
Rain or Shine still tied the game on a three by Luis Villegas, but NLEX survived by making the big plays down the stretch.
“We were getting better at it, making the right plays in the end and making the right stops in the end. I'm very happy that they fought hard today,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico.
“Mabigat talaga ang Rain or Shine. Alam natin yung capabilities nila. Mabuti nakalusot sa panalo ngayon,” said Uichico.
The setback stung the Elasto Painters after they led by as many as 14 points, 45-31, in the second quarter, until Bolick took over with 18 of the team's 38 points in the third.
Bolick finished with 30 points, six rebounds, 11 asssits, and three steals in an all-around performance.
Cady Lalanne added 21 points and 14 rebounds for NLEX, getting the last laugh in a colorful duel with Rain or Shine counterpart Jaylen Johnson where the two imports talked trash in some parts of the game.
Bahio wound up with nine points, seven rebounds, and three steals, but his jumper was his biggest contribution to the win.
Johnson had 17 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists to lead Rain or Shine.
The scores:
NLEX 92 – Bolick 30, Lalanne 21, Bahio 9, Winston 7, Semerad 6, Racal 6, Gonzales 5, Ramirez 3, Herndon 3, Torres 2, Rodger 0, Nieto 0, Gamboa 0, Fajardo 0.
Rain or Shine 90 – Johnson 17, Nocum 15, Clarito 11, Caracut 11, Santillan 9, Mamuyac 8, Malonzo 8, Manaytay 4, Villegas 3, Asistio 2, Cuajao 2, Belga 0, David 0.
Quarters: 18-23; 37-49; 75-78; 92-90.
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