Bolick big in late NLEX breakaway from Titan Ultra
Robert Bolick can only thank his lucky stars that his go-ahead three, that eventually propelled NLEx to a 92-83 win over Titan Ultra on Sunday, got some help from the glass.
“Tsamba (lucky shot),” Bolick said after finishing with 36 points, 17 of them in the fourth quarter, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion, as the Road Warriors will go into the Fiba break holding a share of top spot in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Bolick’s triple broke an 83-all tie with barely a minute left and triggered a pull away which sealed NLEx’s triumph, its sixth in eight matches, to equal the win-loss slate of Rain or Shine.
Rain or Shine got into its spot after a stunning comeback from 18 points down the other night in Cagayan de Oro City, as a 91-89 victory over TNT at Aquilino Pimentel Jr. Convention Center dislodged the Tropang 5G out of first.
Both teams are virtually assured of getting the two quarterfinal spots as of press time.
Getting a win proved so huge for NLEx, especially with those under them in a logjam for third place at 5-2, namely TNT, Converge, Magnolia and defending champion San Miguel Beer.
“They’re crowding each other below us,” Bolick said in Filipino. “But we can’t be too happy about this win.”
As to why Bolick isn’t?
That’s because NLEx will be in for a difficult stretch to close out the eliminations, with its first test being Magnolia on Dec. 7 at Ynares Center, Montalban in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Also on the slate are TNT on Dec. 13 at Ynares Center in Antipolo, and Converge on Dec. 17 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
“We will use this break as motivation, because we can still lose three straight and drop to seventh or eighth,” he warned. “We all know that in the PBA, every game is like a championship game, especially for us.”
Crucial for coach Jong Uichico’s squad is not only for Bolick to stay hot and stay productive. He also had five rebounds and 10 assists.
JB Bahio had 20 points and 12 rebounds to continue his impressive sophomore campaign for the Road Warriors and sustaining those numbers will also be key.
Titan Ultra dropped to 2-6 despite 27 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and four blocks from Calvin Abueva.
