Robert Bolick flirted with a triple-double as NLEX kept Blackwater winless, 104-87, for a winning PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup debut, Thursday evening.
Turning the SMART Araneta Coliseum into his playground again, the star guard had 24 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists to help his side take control in the second frame.
He also came up with key plays down the stretch to seal the deal.
Thanks to him, the Road Warriors gave Jong Uichico a fitting welcome in his head coaching return to the league after nearly a decade.
“It’s good that we have Berto with us. He knows how to run the team. He knows what’s needed when things are not going well, and he’ll find a way to break the streak, to score, to defend. That’s what Robert is here for,” Uichico said.
(C) Neo Garcia/NLEX
NLEX has joined Rain or Shine and San Miguel on top of the Group B standings after dealing the Bossing to 0-2 in Group B – and sending them to a time of reassessment after import Ricky Ledo underperformed again.
He was a non-factor for his side as he finished with only six points, just half of what he had in their season debut against Rain or Shine last Tuesday.
It could be because he tweaked his left foot mere seconds into the match.
And so, the former NBA cager was outplayed by counterpart Myke Henry, who led the Road Warriors with 31 points and 10 rebounds with three assists.
Helping out in the win as well was Robbie Herndon and Ritchie Rodger with 12 and 10 points, respectively. The two guards nailed the two key triples inside the final 1:35 that put the opposition to sleep once and for all.
“Happy ako na lahat ng trinabaho ng teammates ko nung off-season, ayun, na-prove ngayon sa first game. Hopefully sa next games namin, ganun ulit,” said Bolick, who also hit one four-pointer in the triumph.
Leading Blackwater, on the other hand, were Christian David and Troy Rosario as the two finished with 17 points apiece, with the former adding 10 boards.
2024 second-overall pick Sedrick Barefield had 16 points in the loss as he helped his side fight back after being down by as many as 27 points.
Both teams will see action again on Sunday, August 25, still at the Big Dome. NLEX opens the double-header affair with a meeting against Phoenix at 5:00 PM.
On the other hand, Blackwater takes on San Miguel at 7:30 PM.
The Scores:
NLEX 104 – Henry 31, Bolick 24, Herndon 12, Rodger 10, Semerad 8, Valdez 6, Policarpio 5, Fajardo 5, Amer 3, Nieto 0, Pascual 0.
Blackwater 87 – David 17, Rosario 17, Barefield 16, Tungcab 6, Kwekuteye 6, Ledo 6, Chua 5, Ponferrada 4, Hill 4, Montalbo 2, Casio 2, Guinto 2, Suerte 0.
Quarterscores: 23-22, 51-37, 84-62, 104-87.
