The NLEX Road Warriors showed tremendous resilience in a game filled with emotion, adversity, and late-game drama as they defeated the TNT Tropang 5G, 118-111, in overtime.
While the victory improved NLEX’s league-leading record to 7-1, the result came with a heavy emotional cost after import DeQuan Jones suffered a serious right-leg injury during the third quarter.
Despite losing one of their most important players, the Road Warriors refused to fold. Led by a strong performance from Ljay Gonzales, NLEX battled through the difficult circumstances and eventually secured the overtime victory.
DeQuan Jones Suffers Serious Injury
The biggest storyline of the game came at the 7:27 mark of the third quarter, when DeQuan Jones went down with a fractured right leg.
At the time of the injury, NLEX was leading TNT, 69-59.
Jones was immediately taken to the hospital for further medical attention, leaving the Road Warriors without their import for the remainder of the game.
The injury was a major blow for NLEX, particularly because Jones had become such an important figure within the team. Beyond his contributions on the court, his teammates had developed enormous respect for his professionalism and personality.
NLEX guard Robert Bolick perfectly described Jones’ importance to the squad by comparing him to one of the most respected imports in Philippine basketball.
“Siya yung Justin Brownlee sa team namin.”
Bolick explained that Jones had earned the same level of respect inside the NLEX locker room that Justin Brownlee has long commanded at Barangay Ginebra.
He also praised Jones’ attitude and professionalism.
“Ang bait, ang aga sa practice. Bihira kang makakuha ng ganung import, e.”
For Bolick and the rest of NLEX, Jones was more than just an import. He had become one of the team’s anchors.
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Bolick Opens Up About the Emotional Victory
The Road Warriors eventually completed the comeback and defeated TNT, but the victory was understandably difficult to celebrate.
Bolick admitted that Jones’ injury remained at the forefront of his mind even after the final buzzer.
“Ang hirap mag-celebrate.”
The NLEX guard explained that Jones was the first person he thought about after the game.
Bolick finished the contest with an impressive 27 points, including two four-point shots, but his individual performance took a back seat to concern for his injured teammate.
The situation highlighted the emotional bond that had developed within the NLEX locker room.
NLEX Refuses to Collapse Without Its Import
With Jones unable to return, NLEX suddenly found itself in an extremely difficult position.
The Road Warriors had to finish the game without their primary import while facing a TNT team capable of taking advantage of the situation.
Instead of collapsing, however, NLEX responded with toughness.
Bolick summed up the team’s mindset after the game:
“Kahit wala kaming import, lumaban kami.”
That fighting spirit became the defining characteristic of NLEX’s performance.
The Road Warriors continued competing possession by possession, refusing to let the injury derail their campaign.
Four-Point Shots Help Send Game to Overtime
With TNT attempting to protect its advantage late in the contest, Bolick delivered one of the biggest stretches of the night.
He knocked down two four-point shots within a span of just 23 seconds.
The second four-pointer proved particularly important as it sent the game into overtime.
Those shots gave NLEX renewed life and allowed the Road Warriors to remain in position to steal the victory despite the major setback they had suffered earlier in the game.
The overtime period then belonged to NLEX.
NLEX Finishes Strong in Overtime
Once the game entered the extra period, the Road Warriors maintained their composure.
Despite playing without Jones, NLEX continued executing its offense and competing defensively.
The team eventually pulled away to secure the 118-111 overtime victory, improving its record to an impressive 7-1.
The result was especially significant because NLEX had to overcome not only TNT but also the emotional challenge of watching one of its most respected players leave the court with a serious injury.
Ljay Gonzales Earns Player of the Game Honors
While Bolick produced the late-game heroics, Ljay Gonzales emerged as the Player of the Game for NLEX.
Gonzales provided the Road Warriors with valuable contributions throughout the contest and helped the team maintain its composure during one of its most challenging situations of the conference.
His performance was particularly important after Jones’ injury forced NLEX to adjust its rotation and approach.
Rather than allowing the sudden loss of their import to disrupt the entire team, NLEX’s local players stepped up.
Gonzales was among those who embraced the challenge.
His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and remain composed in a pressure-filled environment helped NLEX survive the contest.
Jones Undergoes Successful Surgery
Despite the unfortunate injury, there was encouraging news for NLEX the following day.
According to team management, DeQuan Jones successfully underwent surgery Wednesday morning.
While his injury means he will miss the remainder of NLEX’s campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup, his successful operation provides an important positive development following the frightening incident.
The entire NLEX organization will now look toward Jones’ recovery while continuing its campaign.
A Difficult Victory for the Road Warriors
The 118-111 win will certainly be remembered as one of NLEX’s most emotional victories.
Ordinarily, improving to 7-1 and maintaining the league’s best record would be reason for a major celebration.
But Jones’ injury changed the mood completely.
Bolick’s comments reflected the feelings of the entire team. The Road Warriors clearly value Jones not only because of what he provides on the basketball court but also because of the professionalism and character he brings to the locker room.
His comparison to Brownlee illustrates just how highly NLEX views its import.
NLEX Faces Converge Next
Despite the difficult circumstances, the Road Warriors must now prepare for their next challenge.
NLEX is scheduled to play Converge in its final game of the first round of the eliminations on Friday.
The matchup will provide another test for a team that has already demonstrated its ability to overcome adversity.
Without Jones, NLEX will need its local players to continue stepping up. The performances of Bolick, Gonzales, and the rest of the Road Warriors will become even more important as the team moves forward.
Road Warriors Show Their Character
NLEX’s overtime victory over TNT was about more than the final score.
The Road Warriors faced a devastating moment when Jones suffered his injury, yet they refused to allow the setback to determine the outcome.
Bolick’s late four-point shots, Gonzales’ Player of the Game performance, and the collective effort of NLEX allowed the team to finish the night with a victory.
The 118-111 win over TNT pushed NLEX to 7-1, but perhaps more importantly, it demonstrated the character and unity of the Road Warriors.
For now, the team’s focus will be on Jones’ recovery while preparing for the challenges ahead.
The Road Warriors may have lost their import for the remainder of the campaign, but their response against TNT showed that they are prepared to fight together—even when the circumstances are at their toughest.
