ANTIPOLO – Robert Bolick took over and powered NLEX to a 104-99 come-from-behind victory for their third consecutive victory in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center here.
The league’s reigning scoring champion poured 20 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter, none bigger than the gutsy four-pointer he nailed for the 98-94 lead with 1:27 remaining that swung the momentum in their favor for good.
He also came through with a big stop on the other end, stripping the ball away from June Mar Fajardo before throwing a touchdown pass to a streaking Mike Watkins for an unmolested two-hander to conclude the crucial 8-0 run.
Bolick would also be responsible in settling the final count, perfecting a trip to the foul line with 10.2 seconds left to play as he and the Road Warriors completed the comeback after being down by as many as 19 points.
All in all, he shot 9-of-17 from the floor, highlighted by two quadruples and three triples, and also had two rebounds, nine assists, and a steal in 9 minutes.
“It’s a convenience to play with Berto,” said head coach Jong Uichico. “Because it makes your offensive game plan easier when you have Robert with you. He makes great decisions, he makes big shots, he plays defense.
“It’s a luxury. I’m lucky that I have Robert as our lead point guard,” added the nine-time champion mentor. “You know he’ll be there in the endgame.”
Watkins was as important in the triumph as well, finishing with 17 points and 28 rebounds — more than half of their 48 boards — along with four blocks.
Tony Semerad went 4-of-9 from three for 12 points, with his last one definitely a shot so important for NLEX as it tied the game up at 94-all with 2:19 to go.
Xyrus Torres supplied 11 points off the bench while Enoch Valdez added 10 markers for the Road Warriors, who improved to 3-1 to stay behind unbeaten leaders NorthPort (4-0) and Meralco (2-0) in the standings.
“Masaya lang kami na hindi kami nag-give up,” said Bolick. “Kahit lamang sila, nandun pa rin kami, lumalaban pa rin. Lahat ng players nag-contribute.”
NLEX will now look to take the scalp of another SMC team in Barangay Ginebra when it serves as the welcoming committee for the debuting team on Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Quincy Miller, on the other hand, led San Miguel with 21 points and 11 rebounds as they failed to follow up their successful conference opener versus Phoenix.
Fajardo finished with 20 points and 19 rebounds. CJ Perez had 14 points and seven rebounds. Juami Tiongson and Mo Tautua’a supplied 10 points apiece while Don Trollano chipped in 10 markers in the collapse.
Andreas Cahilig, who was among their heroes in the comeback against the Fuel Masters with 12 points behind four triples, curiously played for only eight minutes and only listed two points, two rebounds, and a steal.
The Beermen will look to bounce back right away against Rain or Shine on Tuesday, December 10, 7:30 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
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 11, Trollano 10, Lassiter 6, Brondial 2, Cahilig 2, Rosales 2, Cruz 0, Ross 0, Enciso 0.
Quarterscores: 17-21, 40-53, 71-75, 104-99.
