Blackwater escapes NLEX as 2026 PBA On Tour tips off in Bulacan

David Murrell provided the game-winning shot as Blackwater narrowly escaped NLEX, 109-107, in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday at the San Jose Del Monte Sports Complex in Bulacan.

Murrell came up big in the crucial stretch, stealing the ball from Evan Nelle and converting it into a two-handed slam on the other end to give the Bossing a 109-107 lead in the final 30 seconds.

That basket was enough to bail Blackwater out as NLEX failed to make something out of its last two possessions.

It also saved Blackwater from major collapse. Blackwater surged to a 97-89 lead early in the fourth period after unleashing a 13-6 run to open the final frame.

NLEX then staged a fightback with big man JL Capulong draining a jumper to give the Road Warriors a slim 107-105 lead in the final 1:30 of the game.

Blackwater, though, quickly responded on the other end with Abu Tratter attacking the defense of Capulong to force a 107-all deadlock, setting the stage for the Murrell game-winner.

The off-season tournament, held during the Governors’ Cup break, returns on Saturday as San Miguel takes on Phoenix at 6 p.m. in Ilagan City, Isabela.

—JKC, GMA News