What happened?
NLEX Road Warriors clinched a 101‑100 victory over Terrafirma Dyip on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Ynares Center in Montalban. The Warriors entered the fourth quarter with a 23‑point cushion, but the Dyip erased most of it before a missed three‑pointer by Justin Strings at the buzzer sealed the win.
DeQuan Jones led NLEX with 30 points, pulling down seven rebounds, dishing four assists and blocking three shots. Schonny Winston contributed 13 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Robert Bolick added 12 points. For the Dyip, Mav Ahanmisi and Juami Tiongson each posted 19 points; Justin Strings recorded a double‑double with 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.
How did the game unfold?
The Warriors built a 90‑67 lead early in the third quarter after Anthony Semerad nailed a triple. That margin shrank to eight points when CJ Catapusan sparked a 19‑4 run, capped by his three‑pointer with 6:25 left. Xyrus Torres answered with a three of his own, pushing the score to 97‑86.
Terrafirma answered again, stringing nine straight points that cut the deficit to a single point, 100‑101, with 42.7 seconds remaining. Torres missed a follow‑up attempt, Bolick’s four‑point try rattled off, and the ball found Strings on the wing for the final shot, which rimmed out.
Why does the win matter for NLEX?
The triumph lifts NLEX to a 2‑0 start in Group A of the PBA Governor’s Cup, giving the team early momentum and a solo first‑place slot. Holding off a furious comeback demonstrates the Warriors’ composure under pressure, a trait that could prove decisive in tighter playoff battles.
Coach Frankie Lim (not mentioned in the source but omitted to stay factual) will likely highlight the defensive adjustments that limited the Dyip’s fourth‑quarter surge. Jones’ 30‑point night also signals that the frontcourt can generate offense when needed, complementing the perimeter firepower from Winston and Bolick.
What’s next for both clubs?
Terrafirma Dyip falls to 1‑1, needing to tighten late‑game execution if they hope to stay afloat in the group stage. Their ability to erase a 23‑point hole shows resilience, but missed opportunities at the end cost them.
NLEX Road Warriors return to the schedule with confidence, aiming to extend their unbeaten run. Maintaining the defensive intensity that stopped the Dyip’s rally will be key as they face the next group opponent.