NLEX took advantage of Blackwater’s worsening manpower woes and came away with the 80-72 result for its third straight win in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Friday evening at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
The Road Warriors actually got off to a tepid start but caught a break when the Bossing lost Christian David to an injury, an opening which they exploited by turning things around in the second frame to take the lead for good.
Coach Jong Uichico’s men then went on to finish strong, with Robert Bolick, Dominick Fajardo, and Xyrus Torres applying the final touches to help the crew sustain their winning ways and improve to 3-1 in the standings.
“Blackwater’s defense gave us a hard time. They took us out of our rhythm but Berto bailed us out in today’s game,” said the champion mentor.
(C) PBA Images
Bolick showed the way in the triumph with 20 points, half of which he made in the fourth quarter alone to preside over the closeout. The star guard shot 7-of-14 from the field and also had seven rebounds and six assists.
He nailed a pair of three-pointers as well, which he made in back-to-back fashion to keep things under control, 74-66, with 2:21 left to play after the opposition managed to cut the deficit to one possession, 68-64.
“In his usual self, when things aren’t going well, then you know na aasahan mong he will bail you out which he did today. He shot two big three-pointers to keep that lead and we’re thankful for Berto,” said Uichico.
JB Bahio finished with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Fajardo and Kevin Alas supplied 10 points apiece and combined for 10 rebounds.
That balanced attack was definitely something the Bossing envied as they couldn’t do the same with a lineup hampered by injuries.
Coach Jeff Cariaso and his staff had to make do with a lineup that missed the services of Sedrick Barefield, reportedly due to a hamstring problem, which he sustained during their 120-98 win over NorthPort the last time out.
It was in that same game where Jaydee Tungcab fell down with a knee injury never to return, and was absent against NLEX as the team continues to wait for the swelling to go down before undergoing an MRI scan.
(C) PBA Images
That’s why it couldn’t get any tougher for Blackwater when David suffered a sprain during the opening period, and remained on the sidelines since.
“Malaking bagay si Barefield, baka yun ang naging problema namin,” said Uichico. “Kasi ilang araw tayo nagpapraktis para kay Barefield. Minsan nagugulo ka rin kasi pinaghandaan mo tapos hindi pala naglaro.
“Si David, na-sprain naman. So minsan, nakakagulo rin ‘yun eh. ‘Di ko sinasabing nakakabuti; nakakagulo,” he added with a smile.
NLEX will now turn its attention to a tough three-game stretch ahead, where it’s set to take on Ginebra (May 7), Magnolia (May 11), and Meralco (May 16).
Leading the undermanned Blackwater, on the other hand, wss BJ Andrade with 15 points. RK Ilagan and Bradwyn Guinto had 14 and 13, respectively.
The Bossing fell to 1-3 following the loss and will look to return to the win column when they take on Rain or Shine on May 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
NLEX 80 – Bolick 20, Bahio 12, Fajardo 10, Alas 10, Semerad 9, Nieto 5, Torres 5, Ramirez 4, Policarpio 3, Mocon 2, Rodger 0, Herndon 0.
Blackwater 72 – Andrade 15, Ilagan 14, Guinto 13, Ayonayon 9, Casio 5, Chua 5, Escoto 5, Mallilin 4, Tratter 2, Mitchell 0, Caperal 0, David 0
Quarterscores: 10-17, 36-28, 52-50, 80-72.
