The much-anticipated, pro-rank clash between college rivals CJ Perez and Robert Bolick finally took place, Friday evening in Antipolo City.
But it didn’t live up to the hype.
The Lyceum Pirate, who was the first overall pick in the 2018 Draft, got the best of the San Beda Red Lion; he finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Bolick, who was the third pick in the same draft, only scored three. Still, he made up for it with seven caroms, six dimes, and two steals.
Furthermore, Perez’s Columbian Dyip reigned victorious, 110-100. They return to the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup win column after absorbing a 98-108 defeat in the hands of Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters last Wednesday.
Perez was indeed victorious in their first meeting since the NCAA Season 94 Finals. But for him, there’s no rivalry anymore between him and Bolick.
“Wala sa isip ko ‘yun. Basta para sa team and para sa management and para sa coaches namin ‘yun para yung effort nila masuklian,” said the top overall pick of the 2018 Draft. “Wala naman na kasi ‘yung rivalry.
“Wala. PBA na ‘to eh.”
For Perez, he’s simply glad that his Dyip have finally bounced back by showing more effort versus NorthPort. It was most evident in the last 4:53, where they unfurled nine straight points for a 14-point lead to seal the victory.
“Good effort sa buong team kasi ‘di kami masyadomg nakapaghanda dun sa gagawin ng NorthPort. Pero yung effort andun,” said the former NCAA MVP, who had his heart broken twice courtesy of Bolick and San Beda.
Columbian’s schedule this week has been unforgiving. After Friday, they will have little time to rest, as they play again on Sunday versus the NLEX Road Warriors. But Perez has no qualms, and he still hopes for their best form.
“Sana maganda yung ilaro pa namin sa Sunday against NLEX.”
