Fans received an unforgettable Easter Sunday treat that extended beyond the holiday, as the PBA Commissioner's Cup delivered a thrilling double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, on April 5, 2026. The action-packed day featured two intense matchups that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
NLEX Dominates Phoenix with Stellar Performances
In the first game, NLEX secured a commanding victory over Phoenix with a final score of 120-102. The Road Warriors' triumph was largely fueled by the exceptional play of Robert Bolick, who notched a double-double with 22 points and 14 assists. Bolick's leadership was instrumental in guiding NLEX to their fourth win in five games, solidifying their position in the tournament standings.
This loss marked Phoenix's second defeat after a strong start of three wins in the 13-team mid-season competition, which is currently led by the undefeated Rain or Shine team with a 4-0 record. NLEX's impressive 4-1 record now places them in solo second place, followed closely by Meralco and Terrafirma, both holding 3-1 records, and TNT in fifth place at 2-1. Phoenix's record stands at 3-2 after this setback.
Adding to NLEX's victory was the standout performance of Kevin Alas, who erupted for 16 of his 18 total points in the fourth quarter. His blistering finish perfectly complemented Bolick's heroics, showcasing the team's depth and resilience in clutch moments.
San Miguel Beer's Dramatic Comeback Against Ginebra
The second game of the double-header provided even more drama, as San Miguel Beer narrowly defeated crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel with a score of 85-82. While NLEX turned a close contest into a rout, SMB had to mount a remarkable comeback from double-digit deficits to secure the win in a nail-biting finish witnessed by a sizable audience at the Big Dome.
With June Mar Fajardo limited to just six points due to a swarming defense orchestrated by Ginebra coach Tim Cone, the Beermen relied heavily on CJ Perez's endgame heroics. Perez, who finished with 20 points after a scoreless first half, stepped up not only as a scorer but also as a playmaker in critical moments.
With the game tied at 78-all, Perez drove for back-to-back baskets, giving SMB an 82-78 lead with only 1:35 remaining. Ginebra's Justin Brownlee responded with four consecutive points to knot the score at 82-all with just 37.3 seconds left, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Don Trollano then seized the spotlight, sinking a corner three-pointer on a feed from Perez to put SMB ahead 85-82 with 8.3 seconds remaining, eluding the defense of Troy Rosario. Desperate three-point attempts by Brownlee and Scottie Thompson fell short, sealing Ginebra's second loss in four games and leaving the Gin Kings to rue their early 15-point lead.
This loss ties Phoenix with San Miguel Beer in the standings, both holding 3-2 records, following SMB's hard-fought victory. The Easter Sunday games highlighted the competitive spirit and unpredictability of the PBA Commissioner's Cup, offering fans a memorable sporting experience.
