The NorthPort Batang Pier may have conquered the Columbian Dyip in their 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup encounter last July 3, but it was a win that left Robert Bolick a bit dissatisfied.
The rookie out of San Beda had actually missed his lay-up in the final seconds, only to be saved by the goaltending violation called on Lester Prosper that paved the way to their 110-108 victory.
If Bolick had his way, he really would have wanted the shot to go in. “Well, siyempre kung sa akin gusto ko shoot talaga,” said the 23-year-old combo guard from Leyte then.
But nine days later, Bolick had finally gotten what he has been wanting since that Batang Pier-Dyip game.
Against the Meralco Bolts, Bolick took matters into his own hands. With his team down by a point with 8.1 ticks left to play, he drove past Cliff Hodge en route to the rim and went up for a lay-up.
And this time, Bolick’s shot went in. Cleanly. Big thanks to that, the Batang Pier reigned victorious, 93-92.
“Gusto ko lang bumawi kasi ito yung mga moments na each player — hindi lang ako — na gusto maka-game-winner,” said Bolick, who had 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
“Sa akin, I just want to win. I took the opportunity na kuhain yung last shot, ayun, na-shoot.”
Bolick said that he really wanted to win so that they would be entering the quarterfinals — where they are armed with a twice-to-beat edge — with momentum on their side.
“Ito yung stepping stone namin sa playoffs eh. Pangit yung pagpasok namin on a losing note, mas maganda yung winning note,” he said. “Start na kami to prepare for the quarters.”
Being armed with such an incentive means so much. Asked if he has any preferences for which team he would want to play in the quarters, Bolick said they would rather focus on themselves.
“Kahit sino. Basta kami we just prepare,” said Bolick. “We just stay focused. Ito na yun, hindi na namin papakawalan ito. Pinag-trabahuhan namin ito para maka-twice-to-beat kami.
“Then hopefully, maka-semis naman kami. Just take it game by game. Focus muna kami, hindi pa namin alam eh. Grabe yung standings kasi sa baba, ang dami pang pwedeng mangyari.”
