JB Bahio delivered a game-winning basket with just three-tenths of a second left on the clock as NLEX pulled off a gritty 92-90 comeback victory over Rain or Shine on Wednesday. The match took place at theNinoy Aquino Stadium during thePBA Commissioner's Cup action.
The Road Warriors erased a double-digit deficit in the final quarter, showing composure under pressure. Bahio's short jumper trickled in at the buzzer, giving NLEX its third straight win and propelling the squad to a provisional top spot in the standings.
Fans inside the venue erupted as the rookie calmly sank the shot. The victory further solidifies NLEX's position as a serious contender in the mid-season conference.
The Final Seconds: How the Buzzer-Beater Unfolded
With the game tied at 90-all, NLEX had possession and 4.8 seconds remaining. Inbounding from the sideline, the Road Warriors found Bahio on the left elbow. He pump-faked, took one dribble, and released a soft floater that bounced twice before falling through the net.
Replay showed the ball left his hand with0.3 seconds still on the clock, making the basket legal. Rain or Shine had no timeout left to advance the ball, sealing the result.
Bahio's Emergence as a Clutch Performer
JB Bahio, the rookie forward out ofSan Beda University, has gradually earned head coachFrankie Lim's trust. Known for his high basketball IQ and defensive hustle, Bahio showed he can also deliver in crunch time.
He finished the game with12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, including the game-winner. This performance builds on his steady improvement throughout the conference.
"I just kept believing in my teammates and the system," Bahio said in the post-game interview. "Coach drew up a play, and I was in the right spot. I'm glad it went in."
Comeback Complete: NLEX Erases Double-Digit Deficit
Rain or Shine controlled most of the game, leading by as many as15 points in the second quarter. Veteran guardsGian Mamuyac andLeonard Santillan kept the Elasto Painters ahead with timely triples and fast-break finishes.
But NLEX tightened its defense in the second half, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy baskets. ImportRobert Bolick and veteran big manJunemar Fajardo sparked the rally, combining for38 points and18 rebounds.
The Road Warriors outscored Rain or Shine28-16 in the fourth quarter to set up Bahio's heroics.
Key Stats That Defined the Game
- NLEX field goal percentage: 47% (36-of-76)
- Rain or Shine three-pointers: 12-of-28 (43%)
- Turnovers forced by NLEX in second half: 9
- Points in the paint: NLEX 42, Rain or Shine 38
Impact on PBA Commissioner's Cup Standings
The victory pushed NLEX to a5-2 win-loss record, temporarily occupying the top seed in the conference. Rain or Shine dropped to4-3, tied with several teams in the middle of the pack.
With the playoffs looming, every win matters. NLEX's ability to grind out close games bodes well for its postseason aspirations. The Road Warriors currently hold the best winning percentage among all teams.
Coach Frankie Lim emphasized the importance of staying grounded. "We're happy but not satisfied. There's still a long way to go, and we need to keep improving every game," he said.
What This Means for Both Teams Moving Forward
For NLEX, the win validates its depth and resilience. Bahio's emergence gives the team another reliable option in high-pressure situations. The Road Warriors will faceBarangay Ginebra next, a tough test of their championship credentials.
For Rain or Shine, the loss stings but isn't fatal. The Elasto Painters must address their second-half collapses and find a way to close out games. Their next matchup againstMeralco will be crucial to regain momentum.
Player Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The game quickly trended on Philippine Twitter, with fans praising Bahio's composure. Many compared the shot to classic PBA buzzer-beaters from legends likeJames Yap andMark Caguioa.
"JB Bahio just announced himself to the PBA," one user posted. "That was cold-blooded."
Rain or Shine guardAndrei Caracut acknowledged the effort on both sides. "We gave it our all, but credit to NLEX. They made plays down the stretch, and Bahio made a tough shot. We'll learn from this."
Looking Ahead: Can NLEX Maintain the Momentum?
NLEX's schedule intensifies in the coming weeks, with back-to-back games against title contenders. If the Road Warriors can maintain defensive intensity and continue getting clutch contributions from role players like Bahio, a deep playoff run is within reach.
The Commissioner's Cup has been highly competitive this season, with no clear favorite. Wednesday's thriller only adds to the excitement for Filipino basketball fans.
For now, NLEX and its supporters will savor the moment — a rookie's game-winner that turned a potential loss into a statement victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many points did JB Bahio score in the game?
JB Bahio scored 12 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists in the 92-90 win over Rain or Shine.
2. What is NLEX's current record in the PBA Commissioner's Cup?
NLEX improved to a 5-2 win-loss record, holding the provisional top spot in the standings after the victory.
3. When is NLEX's next game?
NLEX is scheduled to face Barangay Ginebra on Saturday, May 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
4. Where did the game take place?
The game was held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
