Thanks in large part to Robert Bolick, the NLEX Road Warriors chalked up their first win in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, beating the Blackwater Bossing.
Robert Bolick sized up Dave Murell from the elbow, took four dribbles before launching a go-ahead three pointer Friday night, March 13.
The NLEX Road Warriors went on to complete a come-from-behind 84-81 win over the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Bolick finished with 24 points, including 14 in the fourth period, three rebounds, seven assists, and four steals to chalk up their first win of the conference.
“Alam naman ni Berto kung kailan siya kailangan. Hindi naman one minute pa lang Berto na. Alam niya kung kailangan dapat mag-double effort in terms of scoring,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico, whose team was down by as many as 16 points early.
Before that shot, the NLEX star dropped five straight points to instigate a 12-0 run that turned a 69-75 deficit into a comfortable 81-75 lead with three minutes left to play. Sedrick Barefield and Daniel Ochefu tried to will the Bossing back, with the latter scoring on the post to move to within three.
Blackwater forced NLEX to commit a 24-second shotclock violation, but Christian David’s three-point attempt went short.
Aside from Bolick, import Cady Lalanne also made a good account of himself with 24 points including some key baskets down the stretch. He also had 16 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and two blocks.
Schonny Winston made his debut in an NLEX uniform with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals.
Meanwhile, Barefield paced Blackwater with 18 points while Ochefu turned in 16 points and the same number of boards.
David added 12 points.
NLEX vs Blackwater Scores:
NLEX 84 : Bolick 24, Lalanne 22, Winston 10, Alas 7, Bahio 6, Torres 6, Semerad 3, Gonzales 3, Fajardo 2, Herndon 1, Onwubere 0, Racal 0, Ramirez 0
BLACKWATER 81 : Barefield 18, Ochefu 16, David 12, Panopio 7, Tratter 7, Mallilin 6, Murrell 6, Andrade 5, Una 2, Ilagan 2, Mendoza 0, Jopia 0
Quarterscores: 15-25, 34-41, 60-61, 84-81
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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.