NLEX completed an exhilarating return at the Sta. With a 93-90 win over the TNT Tropang Giga, Rosa Center for Multiple Uses leveled their quarterfinal series at one. The victory was similar to Magnolia’s previous victory over Rain or Shine, as both series involving the top seeds and fourth seeds are currently deadlocked.

DeQuan Jones contributed significantly to NLEX’s success by scoring 38 points in Game 2 after scoring 38 points in the first game. The Road Warriors overcame their 102-107 deficit in the opening game of the best-of-three series thanks to his big performances in the closing seconds. Jones’ dependability and capacity to perform well under duress were essential to NLEX’s comeback and their ability to qualify for the playoffs.

The quarterfinal action will now take place on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, where the two series leaders will compete for the crucial 2-1 advantage. Each club fighting for a spot in the semifinals expects the third game of the best-of-five series to be a pivotal game.

Robert Bolick of NLEX also had a big influence; after scoring just 10 points in the first game, he recovered to score 16 in the second. In the last two minutes, he made a vital three-point play that broke an 87-all tie and gave the Road Warriors the momentum they needed to win the game. In addition to Jones’ heroics in the scoring department, Bolick’s timely contribution was crucial in helping NLEX tie the series and force a decisive Game 3.

Coach Jong Uichico’s NLEX Road Warriors forced a 1-1 tie in their quarterfinal series by outwitting the TNT Tropang Giga in the closing minutes of a fiercely contested game. The victory demonstrated the Road Warriors’ resiliency and capacity to adapt under duress following their close defeat in Game 1.

Tropang Giga had multiple chances to win the game, but in the end, they were defeated by costly errors and missed free throws. Up to the final bell, the game was tight and unpredictable because neither team could create a double-digit advantage despite their intense battles throughout.

DeQuan Jones put on an incredible performance that was crucial to NLEX’s triumph. With 38 points at the end of the game, he hit 12-of-26 from the field and nailed 11 of 12 free throws. Beyond just scoring points, he also added 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block. Despite committing five turnovers, Jones had an indisputable overall impact on the game.

In this game, Jones performed better than TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who finished with 22 points and an amazing 22 rebounds but was unable to duplicate his 45-point performance from Game 1. Hollis-Jefferson had scored more points in that game than Jones, who finished with 38. But the Road Warriors prevailed in Game 2 thanks to Jones’ capacity to recover.

With the series now deadlocked at one game, both teams will be vying for the upper hand in an exciting Game 3. With the level of competitive play exhibited, the following game between NLEX and TNT in the best-of-five quarterfinals looks to be another fiercely contested matchup.

Scores at the end of the match

NLEX with 93 points for the win

Individual scores: Jones 38, Bolick 16, Herndon 8, Amer 6, Valdez 5, Rodger 4, Policarpio 4, Anthony 4, Nermal 3, Mocon 3, Miranda 2, Semerad 0, Nieto 0, Torres 0

TNT with 90 points

Individual scores: Hollis-Jefferson 22, Castro 19, Pogoy 19, Nambatac 11, Oftana 9, Aurin 6, Khobuntin 2, Williams 2, Galinato 0, Heruela 0, Reyes 0, Erram

Scores per quarter

24-21, 40-40, 69-64, 93-90