Road Warriors close strong, top Hotshots for 2-0 start

NLEX relied on timely shooting down the stretch to fend off Magnolia, 112-105, and notch back-to-back victories in the 2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center II in Montalban on Sunday night.

After hitting a decisive three-pointer to help beat Blackwater last Friday, Robert Bolick played the role of facilitator this time, finding Deschon Winston in the corner for a crucial trey that gave NLEX a 111-103 lead with 47.3 seconds remaining.

Jerom Lastimosa tried to keep the Hotshots alive with points off a foul shortly after, but it wasn’t enough as Magnolia dropped to 0-2. Meanwhile, NLEX completed a comeback from a 13-point deficit to join Phoenix and Terrafirma atop the standings.

"It was a great comeback by us at the end of the first half. Nakabalik kami sa laro kasi maganda 'yung intensity na ipinakita," said Coach Jong Uichico. "Kasi ang bigat talaga kalaban ng Magnolia. Ang lalaki, tsaka maganda ang sistema."

Seven NLEX players finished in double digits, led by Cady Lalanne with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Bolick, Winston, and JB Bahio each contributed 14 points, combining for 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Rookie LJ Gonzales added 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, earning Player of the Game honors for his impactful performance. Kevin Alas chipped in 13 points, including a key four-pointer from the left wing that gave NLEX a 97-91 cushion with 7:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. Tony Semerad scored 11 points, including three triples, as the team totaled 12 defensive stops (nine steals, three blocks).

For Magnolia, Nuni Omot led the way with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, signaling a return to form. Lastimosa contributed 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, with two rebounds and four assists. Rome Dela Rosa added 17 points, while Zav Lucero posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, along with three assists, a steal, and a block.

Despite a well-distributed attack, Magnolia couldn’t maintain control after holding a 56-43 lead late in the second quarter. Compared to their conference opener against Phoenix, the Hotshots struggled to mount a late-game rally, even cutting the gap to 100-104 before Lalanne scored four straight points. Winston’s critical triple then effectively sealed the win for NLEX.

With the loss, Magnolia started the conference 0-2 for the first time since the Season 47 Governors’ Cup.