NLEX Upsets San Miguel 85–84 in Philippine Cup Opener Despite Missing Star Player

In a thrilling Philippine Cup opener at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, NLEX upset the defending champions San Miguel with a close 85–84 win on Wednesday. The Road Warriors managed to pull off the surprise victory despite missing their star guard Robert Bolick, who was sidelined due to the recent passing of his father.

San Miguel led 76-73 with less than eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but NLEX responded with a decisive 10-2 run to seize an 83–78 lead. Mo Tautuaa broke San Miguel's scoring drought with 2:41 left on the clock; however, the Beermen went scoreless during a critical stretch, jeopardizing their title defense opener.

JB Bahio extended NLEX's lead to five points with clutch free throws, awarded after a Don Trollano foul. Trollano quickly answered back with a rare four-point play, narrowing the margin to 85–84 with just 11 seconds left.

Later, Andreas Cahilig fouled Bahio, who unfortunately missed both free throws, but NLEX managed to withstand San Miguel's final assault and secure their first win of the conference.

Leading the charge for NLEX were Brandon Ramirez and Jonnel Policarpio, each scoring 16 points, while Kevin Alas contributed 13. Bahio was instrumental by posting a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo led all scorers with 18 points and 15 rebounds, supported by Don Trollano’s 17 points and Jericho Cruz's 12.

Final Scores and Top Performers:

NLEX 85 – Policarpio 16, Ramirez 16, Alas 13, Bahio 12, Rodger 9, Valdez 6, Amer 5, Semerad 4, Nieto 2, Torres 2, Fajardo 0, Herndon 0.

San Miguel 84 – Fajardo 18, Trollano 17, Cruz 12, Lassiter 8, Tiongson 7, Brondial 7, Tautuaa 6, Cahilig 5, Teng 2, Perez 2, Ross 0, Miller 0.

Quarter Scores: 22-25, 32-42, 66-67, 85-84.