RIZAL, Philippines – You can never count NLEX out when Robert Bolick is in the zone.
Bolick hit a bunch of big shots in the fourth quarter and finished with 39 points to lift the Road Warriors to a 104-99 comeback win over San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center on Sunday, December 8.
The sweet-shooting guard dropped 20 points in the final period, including a pair of four-pointers, as NLEX fought back from a 19-point deficit to pick up its third straight win and improve to 3-1.
“It’s a convenience to play with Berto because it makes your offensive game plan easier when you have Robert with you,” said Road Warriors head coach Jong Uichico.
“He makes great decisions, he makes big shots, he plays defense. It’s a luxury. I’m lucky that I have Robert as a my lead point guard, as our lead point guard.”
The Beermen were still ahead 83-75 with over eight minutes remaining before Bolick took over in a tide-turning 23-11 run.
Bolick scored 16 points over that stretch, including the four-pointer that gave NLEX the upper hand at 98-94 with under 1:30 minutes left.
San Miguel still gave itself a slim chance in the dying seconds when a June Mar Fajardo layup cut their deficit to 99-102, but Bolick coolly sank his free throws to seal the win.
Import Mike Watkins also starred for the Road Warriors with a monster double-double of 17 points and 28 rebounds to go with 4 blocks, while Anthony Semerad added 12 points — all from beyond the arc.
Eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo nearly put up a 20-20 outing in the losing effort with 20 points and 19 rebounds as the Beermen dropped to 1-1.
The Scores
NLEX 104 – Bolick 39, Watkins 17, Semerad 12, Torres 11, Valdez 10, Rodger 8, Alas 4, Herndon 3, Marcelo 0, Bahio 0.
San Miguel 99 – Miller 21, Fajardo 20, Perez 14, Tiongson 11, Tautuaa 1, Trollano 10, Lassiter 6, Brondial 2, Cahilig 2, Rosales 2, Cruz 0, Ross 0, Enciso 0.
Quarters: 17-21, 40-53, 71-75, 104-99.
– Rappler.com