MONTALBAN - LJay Gonzales felt good when he released the ball as time was winding down and the outcome of the game was on the line.
He had no doubt the shot would go in as he has done it a hundred times in practice.
READ: Ljay Gonzales trey at the buzzer lifts NLEX to OT win vs Meralco
"Tuwing tumitira ako, yung mindset ko 100 percent papasok kasi everyday naman wino-work on ko yun," said the rookie guard.
Such confidence proved to be the dagger in NLEX's 104-101 victory over Meralco in overtime during their PBA Commissioner's Cup game Friday night at the Ynares Center.
The three point shot at the buzzer sparked a wild celebration over at the NLEX bench that played minus head coach Jong Uichico for the entire second half after being ejected in the second quarter.
With lead deputy Borgie Hermida the one calling the shots, the Road Warriors battled their way back from 17 points down in the third quarter capped off by that game-winning three from Gonzales.
The guard out of Far Eastern University was grateful for the coaches and his teammates especially Robert Bolick for leaving to his hands the fate of the team.
It was Bolick who dished it off to him at the last second once he attracted the defense of Marvin Jones.
"Sobrang pasasalamat ko sa kanila dahil ang laki ng tiwala nila sa akin," said the no. 5 overall pick in the latest draft.
"Yung mga ganung bagay siyempre dapat ko ring pag-trabahuhan kasi hindi naman nila basta-basta ibibigay sa akin yun."
Gonzales finished with 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists as the Road Warriors improved to a 6-1 record for solo second place.
And Gonzales did save his best for last as the game winning basket was his lone from three-point range for the night.
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