Robert Bolick poured the bulk of his 36 huge points in the fourth quarter to help NLEX in finally warding off Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
NLEX sniper Robert Bolick fed JB Bahio in the post, then zoomed left for a handoff before banking a triple in the face of Titan Ultra ace Calvin Abueva.
For Bolick, who erupted with 36 points to steer the Road Warriors to a 92-83 victory over the Giant Risers, luck had a lot to do with it.
“Tsamba 'yong banda. Tsamba talaga 'yon,” Bolick said during the post-game presser at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, laughing.
Whether or not Bolick's explanation was true, that basket spelled the difference for the Road Warriors, who hiked their slate to 6-2 to join Rain or Shine at the summit in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday, Nov. 16.
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Bolick bests Abueva
Bolick's booming triple gave his squad an 86-83 buffer after Titan Ultra stalwart Joshua Munzon forced a standoff with 1:17 left to play.
NLEX held the Giant Risers scoreless since then, before Bolick put the finishing touches from the foul line.
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Robert Bolick outduels Calvin Abueva. | Photo: PBA Images
Bolick accounted for 17 of NLEX's 27 points in the fourth, nine more than its foe, who made it a tight contest most of the way.
He also collected five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals in a strong follow-up to his 28-point outing in a statement game against the Elasto Painters last week.
The former San Beda star needed that to negate Abueva’s herculean effort of 27 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal for Titan Ultra.
“'Yong play, sa kaniya (Bolick); 'yong tira, hindi,” said gleeful NLEX head coach Jong Uichico.
“Nagkataon lang talaga 'yon. Siyempre, big-time player si Berto.”
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JB Bahio also had a stellar double-double game of 20 markers and 12 boards for the Road Warriors.
Despite Abueva’s brilliance, the Giant Risers went ice cold in the final minute and dropped to 2-6.
Munzon backed up Abueva with 19 points, while Von Pessumal added 14 markers.
NLEX 92 – Bolick 36, Bahio 20, Torres 7, Herndon 6, Policarpio 5, Fajardo 5, Valdez 4, Mocon 3, Alas 2, Nieto 2, Capulong 2, Ramirez 0, Rodger 0
TITAN ULTRA 83 – Abueva 27, Munzon 19, Pessumal 14, Ular 7, Dionisio 6, Balanza 4, Yu 3, Melecio 1, Cuntapay 0, Monje 0, Ambohot 0
Quarterscores: 23-19, 40-41, 65-65, 92-83
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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.