NLEX stuns San Miguel in a thriller despite missing Bolick 

The Road Warriors clawed back from 13 points down to shock defending Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beermen, 85-84, on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo — a gritty triumph that spoke volumes about the team’s resolve under new head coach Jong Uichico.

NLEX’s comeback was fueled by unheralded heroes, none bigger than Jonnel Policarpio, who played the best game of his young career. The former La Salle standout erupted for 16 points, including 12 in the second half, to spark a third-quarter surge that flipped the momentum.

“Close siya sa father niya so we should give him as much time,” said Uichico, referring to the absence of team star Robert Bolick, who skipped the game following the passing of his father.

Instead of folding, the Road Warriors responded with resilience. Brandon Ramirez also scored 16 points, while JB Bahio tallied a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring NLEX’s interior defense and hustle plays. Kevin Alas added 13 points, including key buckets in the closing stretch.

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WHAT A WIN!

The NLEX Road Warriors rally back to stun San Miguel!

This one’s for you, Berto! #ArangkadaNLEX #NLEX #PBA50 pic.twitter.com/yFXMXE9NTD

— NLEX Road Warriors (@ArangkadaNLEX) October 8, 2025

The Road Warriors went on a blistering 12-4 run late in the game, capped by a banked three-pointer from Policarpio that turned a 76-73 deficit into an 85-80 advantage.

But the win didn’t come easy. With 9.8 seconds left, Bahio missed two crucial free throws that could have sealed the deal. The Beermen, given one last chance, botched their final possession as Don Trollano lost control of the ball at the buzzer — sealing a dramatic NLEX escape.

San Miguel, the league’s most dominant franchise, led by as many as 13 points in the third quarter before unraveling in the face of NLEX’s pressure defense. June Mar Fajardo, fresh off bagging his record-extending ninth MVP award, finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds.

However, the Beermen sorely missed the services of CJ Perez, who played just four minutes and scored two points while nursing an ankle injury from the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

Trollano and Jericho Cruz tried to carry the scoring load with 17 and 12 points, respectively, but San Miguel couldn’t convert when it mattered most.

The victory not only gave Uichico his first win as NLEX coach but also offered a glimpse of the team’s evolving identity — one built on collective effort and grit rather than star power.

For the Road Warriors, it was a statement win — and for the grieving Bolick, a performance his teammates can dedicate to him and his late father.

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