NLEX kept its playoff hopes alive in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, delivering a crucial 122-110 victory over Rain or Shine on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The win was an all-important one for the Road Warriors, as they tied the San Miguel Beermen for eighth place with identical 5-6 records, while cutting the Elasto Painters’ lead for seventh to just one game.
San Miguel faces TNT on the 26th, NLEX takes on Hong Eastern on the 29th, and Rain or Shine squares off against TNT on the 31st.
Robert Bolick spearheaded NLEX’s attack, erupting for 40 points on 14-of-25 shooting. He also tallied 10 assists, six rebounds, and two steals in a remarkable all-around performance.
“Bago yung start ng game, sabi ni coach wala nang bukas. So, wala. Naka-focus talaga kami sa game,” shared the Ormoc City native. “Alam namin na desperado yung sa kabila pero mas desperado kami. At least may chance pa kami.”
(C) PBA Images
Playing with urgency, the Road Warriors dominated the first half, surging to a 21-point lead, 61-40, behind the combined efforts of Bolick and import Mike Watkins.
However, Watkins figured in foul trouble early in the third quarter, picking up his fifth foul just five minutes into the period.
Rain or Shine capitalized, cutting the deficit to six, 82-76, despite struggles from the free-throw line.
The missed opportunities would haunt the Elasto Painters, as Kevin Alas, Xyrus Torres, and Anthony Semerad stepped up in the clutch to steady the ship for NLEX.
Watkins still managed to post a solid double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Semerad was instrumental off the bench, contributing 17 points, including four triples.
Torres and Alas added 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Javee Mocon chipped in 10 points and Brandon Ramirez grabbed 10 rebounds.
(C) PBA Images
For Rain or Shine, Deon Thompson led the charge with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Keith Datu also posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards, while Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum provided 20 and 16 points, respectively.
The Scores:
NLEX 122 – Bolick 40, Watkins 25, Semerad 17, Torres 12, Alas 11, Mocon 10, Policarpio 4, Ramirez 3, Herndon 0.
Rain or Shine 110 – Thompson 26, Clarito 20, Nocum 16, Santillan 12, Datu 10, caracut 8, Tiongson 4, Belga 4, Ildefonso 4, Lemetti 6, Norwood 0
Quarterscores: 29-23, 65-48, 86-79, 122-110
