Bahio’s Clutch Game-Winner Lifts Road Warriors Past Elasto Painters

JB Bahio delivered a heroic finish, sinking a baseline jumper with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock to lift NLEX Road Warriors past Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 92-90, and take the provisional lead in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Road Warriors improved to 8-2, moving closer to a Top Four finish and a potential twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. The victory also officially clinched their playoff spot.

Bahio emerged as the unlikely hero, calmly knocking down the game-winning shot off a perfect pass from Robert Bolick. The forward finished with nine points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one assist, with his final basket proving to be the biggest of the night.

NLEX head coach Jong Uichico was pleased with his team’s composure in the clutch.

“We're getting better at making the right plays and stops in the end. I'm very happy that they fought hard,” Uichico said. “Mabigat talaga ‘yung Rain or Shine, alam natin ‘yung capabilities nila. Mabuti nakalusot tayo.”

Bolick once again shone in crunch time, finishing with 30 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds. After NLEX trailed by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, Bolick fueled the comeback with 18 points in that period and later gave his team a 90-87 lead with a clutch four-point play.

Rain or Shine refused to quit, as Luis Villegas tied the score at 90 with a three-pointer at the 45.5-second mark. However, the Elasto Painters missed crucial free throws in the final moments, allowing NLEX one last possession that ended with Bolick finding Bahio for the dramatic winner.

“Tira niya talaga ‘yun. Credit sa hard work niya,” Bolick said of Bahio’s game-winner.

Bahio, emotional after the victory, credited his daily preparation:

“Sobrang saya, sobrang sarap ng feeling. Nagbunga din ‘yung tinrabaho ko araw-araw sa practice — ‘yung extra shots at extra skill work.”

Cady Lalanne contributed a solid double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds for NLEX.

For Rain or Shine, which dropped to 8-2, Jaylen Johnson nearly posted a triple-double with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. Adrian Nocum added 15 points, while Jhonard Clarito and Andrei Caracut scored 11 each.

The Road Warriors will face Converge on May 2 and Titan Ultra on May 5 to close out the elimination round. Rain or Shine returns to action against Barangay Ginebra this Sunday.