NLEX defeated Barangay Ginebra 89-86 on Wednesday to increase their winning run to four in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup after Xyrus Torres made a crucial three-pointer with 48.2 seconds remaining.

After a strong comeback by the Gin Kings to erase a deficit that had risen to 17 points, Torres made a left-handed corner shot to help the Road Warriors recover the lead, 87-86.

As Ginebra shockingly faltered to escape with its fourth victory in five games and guarantee its spot in the rankings, barely behind undefeated leader Magnolia, NLEX displayed poise in the closing seconds.

Ginebra fell to 2-2 after Scottie Thompson missed a last-ditch three-point try from the left corner before the buzzer, and Robert Bolick hit two free throws with seven seconds remaining to increase the Road Warriors’ lead to 89-86.

In addition, Bolick responded to Ginebra’s 7-0 run that gave them an 84-81 lead by tying the game at 1:36 in the fourth.

In the face of a fierce Ginebra comeback spearheaded by Stephen Holt, who scored all but two of his 21 points in the last quarter, NLEX coach Jong Uichico commended his youthful squad for being composed.

“We were up by double figures, but knowing Ginebra, they have the capacity to come back, which they did. Stephen Holt really shot the lights out. He got them [back] into the game, but it’s good that we also have a guy named Berto Bolick who carried the team. “Big shots wanted the ball, that’s why you need a Berto in your team to carry the team when things aren’t going wel,l especially on the offensive end,” Uichico said.

Bolick had four assists, seven rebounds, and 28 points in the end. Additionally, he made a critical three-pointer in the endgame and was flawless three out of three from three. Additionally, he sank a three-pointer that gave NLEX the largest lead of the game, 58-41.

With three three-pointers, Torres scored 11 points.

The Scores

NLEX 89 –  Bolick 28, Torres 11, Ramirez 11, Alas 10, Mocon 8, Bahio 6, Semerad 6, Fajardo 5, Rodger 2, Policarpio 2, Nieto 0.

Barangay Ginebra 86 –  Holt 21, Thompson 20, Malonzo 11, Abarrientos 11, Rosario 8, J. Aguilar 7, Adamos 6, Pinto 2, Cu 0, David 0, Mariano 0.

Quarter scores: 13-23; 37-36; 67-53; 89-86.