With Robert Bolick leading the way, the NLEX Road Warriors weathered a late Ginebra Gin Kings storm on their way to victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
There was nothing that could stop Robert Bolick from steering his squad to a fourth straight win in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Not even an injury.
It turned out, Bolick played through a right quad injury he sustained against Blackwater five days ago to power NLEX to a pulsating 89-86 win over Ginebra at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate on Wednesday, May 7.
But that hardly showed as he went on to produce 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Road Warriors, who hiked their record to 4-1.
“Kahit anong mangyari, gamot-gamot lang. Laban na,” said Bolick, whose quad is heavily bruised due to a collision with the Bossing’s Bradwyn Guinto.
NLEX coach Jong Uichico could not help but admire his prized guard’s fighting spirit.
After all, Bolick conspired with rookie Xyrus Torres in the fourth period where the Road Warriors endured the Gin Kings' furious rally.
“That’s why he’s such a competitor. Hindi ko alam na ganoon ka-grabe ang injury niya. But he played through it. So he’s really a competitor,” said Uichico after the match, where NLEX squandered a 17-point lead.
Torres finished with 11 points, including a clutch triple with 48.2 ticks remaining that gave them the lead back for good, 87-86.
Brandon Ramirez and Kevin Alas added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
“Credit kay coach. Ang ganda ng game plan namin. 86 points sa team na 'yon? I think ang ganda ng depensa namin,” said Bolick.
“Noong 4th quarter, pumutok lang talaga si (Stephen) Holt. Pero credit sa team namin. Ang liliit namin. Kami lahat nagtulungan sa rebound. 'Yon ang nakaka-proud sa team.”
Stephen Holt saw his phenomenal fourth quarter go down the drain as Ginebra went on to absorb a second loss in four games.
Holt dropped 18 points in the fourth period but the Gin Kings simply could not follow through in the final moments. He also had two rebounds and three assists.
Scottie Thompson chipped in 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block.
NLEX vs Ginebra Scores:
NLEX 89 – Bolick 28, Torres 11, Ramirez 11, Alas 10, Mocon 8, Bahio 6, Semerad 6, Fajardo 5, Rodger 2, Policarpio 2, Nieto 0.
GINEBRA 86 – Holt 21, Thompson 20, Malonzo 11, Abarrientos 11, Rosario 8, J.Aguilar 7, Adamos 6, Pinto 2, Cu 0, David 0, Mariano 0.
Quarterscores: 13-23, 37-36, 67-53, 89-86.