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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Bolick-less NLEX escapes past defending champ SMB for winning start

Bolick-less NLEX escapes past defending champ SMB for winning start

Published Oct 8, 2025 10:29 pm

At A Glance

  • ANTIPOLO CITY – Kevin Alas and Jonel Policarpio joined hands in the second half as NLEX escaped past San Miguel, 85-84, for a winning start in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center here on Wednesday, Oct. 8

ANTIPOLO CITY – Kevin Alas and Jonel Policarpio joined hands in the second half as NLEX escaped past San Miguel, 85-84, for a winning start in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center here on Wednesday, Oct. 8

Playing without main man Robert Bolick, the Road Warriors put on a collective effort as they battled back from a 13-point deficit before holding onto the lead in the waning seconds to pick up the win.

Policarpio had 12 of his 16 points in the second half – none bigger than the booming triple that gave NLEX an 82-78 lead with 3:38 left. 

Alas stepped up for Bolick with 13 points, five rebounds and two steals while Brandon Ramirez shared the scoring honors with 16 points while also putting a body on June Mar Fajardo on the defensive end.

JB Bahio chipped in a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds for NLEX which still had to fend off a late surge from the Beermen.

Two free throws from Bahio actually put NLEX up by five, 85-80, with 17 seconds left but Don Trollano nailed a tough step back four-pointer to pull SMB within one, 84-85.

SMB got the break after Bahio missed a pair of free throw but the Beermen turned the ball over at the buzzer, allowing NLEX to escape with the win

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