NLEX targets a Top Four finish in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, but it won't be an easy task as it faces TNT without its star, Robert Bolick.
NLEX looks to keep pushing for a Top Four finish when it tangles with TNT in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Saturday, Dec. 13.
Tip off is at 5:15pm at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
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Already assured of a quarterfinal berth at joint third with Magnolia and Converge with their similar 6–3 marks, the Road Warriors have bigger stakes in mind.
Another win would significantly boost their chances of cracking the Top Four and earning a coveted twice-to-beat advantage.
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: TNT Tropang 5G vs NLEX Road Warriors | Philippine Cup]
However, they will have to navigate this crucial matchup without their floor general Robert Bolick, who is currently reinforcing Gilas Pilipinas in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Bolick’s absence leaves a massive void.
The star guard has been the engine of NLEX all conference, averaging 16.43 points and a league-best 8.57 assists, while orchestrating the Road Warriors’ balanced attack.
His playmaking, shot creation and late-game poise will be sorely missed, especially against the Tropang 5G who are desperate to bounce back.
NLEX is also coming off a 98–82 loss to Magnolia, a game where Bolick still managed to co-lead the team with 12 points alongside Javee Mocon.
With Bolick out, the burden now shifts to Mocon, Kevin Alas and the rest of the supporting cast to collectively fill the leadership gap and maintain offensive flow.
Catch the livestream of this match on the One Sports YouTube channel or the Pilipinas Live app or website.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]