In the PBA, time doesn’t just pass in the final two minutes; it tightens. For a bettor, those 120 seconds are the difference between a winning ticket and a “what if” story. As we navigate the 2025-2026 season, the introduction of the four-point line has fundamentally altered the geometry of the court, but the currency of the league remains the same: The Long-Distance Dagger.

When the shot clock is bleeding and the lights feel a little hotter, you don’t just want a shooter; you want a specialist with ice in their veins. Based on current form, statistical efficiency, and that unquantifiable “clutch” factor, here are the top three shooters you want taking the final shot in 2026.

1. Juan Gómez de Liaño (Converge FiberXers)

The Statistical Surgeon

If you’re looking for the gold standard of efficiency this season, look no further than Juan Gomez de Liaño. Emerging as the premier guard for the Converge FiberXers, JGDL has transitioned from a high-upside prospect to a cold-blooded veteran leader.

Currently averaging a staggering 44.4% to 48% from beyond the arc (depending on the conference stretch), Juan isn’t just shooting often; he’s shooting accurately. What makes him a betting favorite in “Player Props” or “Last Scorer” markets is his ability to create space. Unlike spot-up shooters who rely on a system, Juan’s 19.4 PPG average is built on his ability to hit the step-back three under heavy duress.

Betting Insight: When Converge is trailing by 3 or 4 points in the final minute, Juan is the primary option. Watch for “Live Betting” opportunities when the FiberXers are down late—the odds often undervalue their ability to close gaps quickly via Juan’s high-percentage long-range bombs.

2. Calvin Oftana (TNT Tropang Giga)

The High-Volume Assassin

Calvin Oftana has officially inherited the “big shot” mantle for TNT. In the pressure cooker of the 2026 Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel, Oftana proved that his volume isn’t just noise, it’s a weapon. Averaging 2.5 triples per game at a 42.4% clip, he provides a rare blend of height and high-release shooting that is almost impossible to contest.

Oftana’s value in critical moments was cemented during his 29-point outburst in the Finals, where he drained five triples to dismantle the Beermen’s defense. He doesn’t just shoot to score; he shoots to break the opponent’s spirit. His length allows him to shoot over smaller guards, making him the ultimate safety valve for TNT when their primary sets break down.

Betting Insight: Oftana is a “streak” bettor’s dream. If he hits his first two attempts, the “Over” on his total points is almost a lock. In clutch situations, TNT’s offensive rating spikes when he is on the floor, making them a strong play for the “Spread” in tight fourth quarters.

3. CJ Perez (San Miguel Beermen)

The “Big Moment” Hybrid

While June Mar Fajardo dominates the paint, CJ Perez has become the Beermen’s closer from the perimeter. What sets Perez apart in 2026 is his adaptation to the four-point line. He isn’t just a three-point threat; he is a specialist in the “Extended Clutch.”

In recent Finals matchups, Perez has turned games around with back-to-back long-distance strikes, including a backbreaking four-pointer that neutralized a late TNT rally. He may not always have the highest season percentage compared to a pure specialist, but his “clutch field goal percentage” is among the league’s elite. When the game is on the line, CJ has a knack for finding the bottom of the net regardless of the degree of difficulty.

Betting Insight: Perez is the king of the “Moneyline” swing. If you are betting on San Miguel, his performance in the final five minutes dictates the outcome. He is a prime candidate for “Player of the Game” honors in high-stakes matchups, often rewarding those who back his individual performance in big-market games.

The Bottom Line for Bettors

In 2026, the PBA is a shooter’s league. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the betting markets are increasingly sensitive to perimeter efficiency.

• For Consistency: Back Juan Gómez de Liaño.
• For Volume & Momentum: Follow Calvin Oftana.
• For Raw Clutch Power: Trust CJ Perez.

The smart money isn’t just on who has the best jersey; it’s on who has the best vision when the clock is winding down. Keep these three on your radar, and you’ll find yourself on the right side of the spread more often than not.