Comeback win keeps NLEX playoff hopes alive as it boots Meralco out

NLEX came back from an 18-point deficit to eliminate its sister team Meralco, 92-81, while keeping its own playoff chances alive in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Bolts erected a 61-43 lead early in the third period after a floater from import KJ McDaniels, but the Road Warriors stormed back from that hole courtesy of a 21-10 rampage to end the period trailing seven, 71-64. 

NLEX reinforcement Earl Clark scored 12 of his overall output during that stretch while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added seven as NLEX sparked life to its game. 

A Don Trollano triple made it a 75-70 deficit for NLEX before Clark tied things up at 77-all with a three-pointer of his own with 5:26 left. Another 11-0 spurt saw NLEX's lead balloon to double digits, 88-77, before they drew their biggest lead of the game at 92-81 with Clark's two freebies. 

Clark finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks while Trollano led the locals with 16 markers, nine boards, and a steal as NLEX improved to 5-7 while Meralco dropped to 4-7 to bow out of contention. 

Mcdaniels, who previously had stints with NLEX, top-scored for Meralco with 22 points, nine rebounds, and two assists as Aaron Black and Allein Maliksi chipped in 17 and 12 apiece.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News