Robert Bolick, whose father passed away recently, sat out but NLEX still prevailed over defending champ San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
NLEX turned to Jonnel Policarpio one too many times in the homestretch of its pulsating 85-84 win over San Miguel in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup opener Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Policarpio did not disappoint.
The former La Salle standout delivered 16 points, seven of which he dropped in the fourth period where the Road Warriors completely overtook the defending champion.
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The 6-foot-5 versatile forward also had three rebounds, two assists and two steals to his name.
Missing in the match is star Robert Bolick, who sat out the match as he mourns his father's recent passing.
It is thus fitting that Policarpio dedicated NLEX's first victory to his grieving teammate.
“For me dini-dedicate ko 'yong laro para kay Kuya Berto. Kuya Bert, be strong,” Policarpio said during the post-game interview.
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One team behind Robert Bolick
Just as inspired were the rest of the Road Warriors, most notably Brandon Ramirez, Kevin Alas and JB Bahio.
Ramirez wound up with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, Alas also made noise with 13 markers, five boards, an assist, and two steals, while Bahio had a 12-12 outing.
“It was a collective effort ng lahat in the absence of Berto,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico.
“Medyo may motivation factor kami in today’s game.”
Kevin Alas also delivers for NLEX in its first game. | Photo: PBA Images
The Road Warriors were so motivated that they stood unfazed despite facing a 13-point hole, 43-56, in the third period.
Near the finish line, it was NLEX that held a five-point lead, 80-85, as Bahio calmly sank his pair of free throws.
But the Beermen would not give up just yet, with Don Trollano nailing his quadruple to cut the Road Warriors' lead to just a solitary point with 11 seconds remaining.
Bahio then muffed two freebies in the ensuing play, fanning the hopes of SMB.
Fortunately for the Bolts, Trollano elected to pass the ball from the baseline even when there was no time left.
While Trollano willed the Beermen down the stretch, it was June Mar Fajardo who did the most damage with his 18 points and 15 rebounds. The nine-time Most Valuable Player also had four assists and a block.
Trollano fired 17 points on top of two rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Jericho Cruz added 12 markers, six boards and a steal.
NLEX vs San Miguel scores:
NLEX 85 – Policarpio 16, Ramirez 16, Alas 13, Bahio 12, Rodger 9, Valdez 6, Amer 5, Semerad 4, Nieto 2, Torres 2, Fajardo 0, Herndon 0
SAN MIGUEL 84 – Fajardo 18, Trollano 17, Cruz 12, Lassiter 8, Tiongson 7, Brondial 7, Tautuaa 6, Cahilig 5, Teng 2, Perez 2, Ross 0, Miller 0
Quarterscores: 22-25, 32-42, 66-67, 85-84
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.