The NLEX Road Warriors kept its Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinal hopes alive after surviving the Meralco Bolts, 81-80, on Wednesday in the first of two elimination matches they have to hurdle in the quarterfinals.
Needing to win to extend the series against the twice-to-beat-armed Bolts, the Road Warriors delivered, hanging tough throughout the contest before turning to the late-game heroics of rookie Calvin Oftana.
Down by a point, 80-79, with eight seconds to go, NLEX set up a play for their first-round rookie pick, who eluded his defender and found an opening to drive to the basket to score the go-ahead deuce with six seconds to play.
Meralco still had time to recover but could not execute after.
The contest was played nip-and-tuck throughout with neither team showing no letup to see their respective causes through.
The Bolts had the chance to put away the game in the dying seconds, but Mac Belo missed two crucial free throws which set up the heroics of Mr. Oftana.
Anthony Semerad had a stellar showing for NLEX in the win, finishing with 23 points on an efficient 64% shooting (9-of-14) from the field. Jericho Cruz added 10 points.
Game hero Mr. Oftana, meanwhile, had all-around numbers of 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.
“Meralco is a strong team and has been playing solidly since the start, which was why they were in second place in the eliminations. Coming in, we wanted to keep the game close and give ourselves a chance to win in the game. And good thing it was exactly what happened,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao in the post-game press conference.
“But we haven’t accomplished anything. We just extended the series and let’s see what happens in the next game,” he added.
For Meralco, it was Allein Maliksi who showed the way with 16 points, followed by Mr. Belo with 12 and Bong Quinto and Reynel Hugnatan with 11 points apiece.
The do-or-die match between Meralco and NLEX is set for Friday also at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Meanwhile, as of this writing, top seeds TnT Tropang Giga and number eight team and defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings were battling for a spot in the semifinals with the former holding a twice-to-beat advantage. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo