Robert Bolick on ‘game-winner’: ‘Kung sa akin gusto ko shoot talaga’

If Robert Bolick had his way, he really would’ve wanted a clear lay-up to go in to win the game for NorthPort.

With the final seconds of the Batang Pier’s 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup match versus the Columbian Dyip Wednesday winding down and with the game tied at 108, Bolick drove hard to the rim, but his lay-up missed.

“Well siyempre kung sa akin gusto ko shoot talaga,” said the rookie out of the San Beda Red Lions program.

But luck was on NorthPort’s side. After reviews by referees, they counted Bolick’s shot in after calling a goaltending violation on Lester Prosper, as replays showed that his hand touched the rim while trying to block Bolick.

The Batang Pier would go on to win, 110-108, to bounce back from their loss to Phoenix Pulse seven nights ago.

“Pero yun nga, tinamaan yung ring. Wala na ‘kong magagawa dun,” said Bolick, who finished with 21 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals against just one turnover in the 36 minutes and 22 seconds of playing time.

Bolick, obviously, is taking it, as it led to a victory — a victory that had given NorthPort their eighth win this conference. And that means that the twice-to-beat advantage for the playoffs is now within reach of the Batang Pier.

Bolick expressed that they would want to bag such incentive. But they would not want to get ahead of themselves.

“Sarap sa feeling but sinabi ni [coach Pido Jarencio] ‘wag muna kaming masaya kasi wala pa naman kaming na-accomplish eh. Wala pa kaming napatunayan,” he said. “At least now medyo malakas yung chance namin sa twice-to-beat.

“Ito yung pineprepare namin. Hopefully. Tignan natin.”