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| Cady Lalanne had a monster game for the still red-hot NLEX squad. PBA Images |
MANILA--LJay Gonzales broke Meralco's hearts right at the final buzzer as NLEX escaped with a 104-101 overtime win in their PBA Commissioner's Cup duel on Friday night at the Ynares Center 2 in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Gonzales hit a wide-open three that broke a 101-all tie right when the clock hit zero, just when everyone thought a second overtime period was imminent.
After Gonzales hit two free throws that gave the Road Warriors a 101-98 cushion with 23.8 seconds left, Jason Brickman responded with a triple that forced the last deadlock with 12.3 seconds to go.
However, Gonzales found Robert Bolick with some space after Anthony Semerad gave an off-ball screen to Chris Newsome.
Marvin Jones was forced to go after Bolick's attempt, and the latter found Gonzales wide open for the game-winner.
Gonzales' buzzer-beater preserved a monster game for Cady Lalanne, who led the now 6-1 NLEX squad with 34 points on 12-of-21 field goals, 26 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
Schonny Winston added 21 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
Jones finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds for Meralco, which fell to 5-2.
Javee Mocon had 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench in his first game against his former team.
