Oftana sinks game-winner as NLEX forces rubber match vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines – Rookie Calvin Oftana turned hero for the NLEX Road Warriors as they kept their PBA Philippine Cup campaign alive with a thrilling 81-80 win over the Meralco Bolts at the DHVSU in Bacolor, Pampanga on Wednesday.

Oftana converted on the last play for the Road Warriors with six ticks left to extend the series to a do-or-die game.

Oftana extends the series! #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/vL1iqgeIsU

— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 29, 2021

The Bolts had a chance to push NLEX to the wall, with Mac Belo on the foul line with eight seconds left to try and pad their lead to three.

But Belo missed both free throws, leaving the door open for the Road Warriors to take the win in the next possession.

Anthony Semerad was the go-to scorer for NLEX in the game with 23 points to go along with four rebounds.

Game hero Oftana, for his part, finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block.

Meanwhile, Allein Maliksi paced the Bolts with 16 points.

The rubber match between the Bolts and the Road Warriors is set on Friday.