Mike Watkins and Robert Bolick combined for 49 points to help NLEX forget an embarrassing opener in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Against Blackwater, NLEX import Mike Watkins was simply unstoppable.
Eager to bring his team to the win column following an embarrassing 27-point loss to open its bid, Watkins muscled his way down low as the Road Warriors bamboozled the Bossing, 107-95, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Watkins turned in a sizzling double-double outing of 26 points and 25 rebounds, allowing the Road Warriors to quickly get back on their feet.
“His inside presence, that gave Blackwater some troubles. He’s a matchup problem,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico of Watkins, who also had three blocks.
[RELATED STORY: NLEX grabs first win after downing Blackwater in PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup]
Robert Bolick leads NLEX locals' charge
NLEX's Robert Bolick tries to shake off Blackwater defender Justin Chua in their PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup duel on Saturday, Nov. 30. | Photo (c) PBA
As Watkins was subbed out with still over six minutes remaining in the fourth period, the locals stepped up and held the fort for the Road Warriors.
Robert Bolick zoomed past defenders and scored on a breezy layup against Christian David, before Anthony Semerad nailed back-to-back three-pointers from the left corner to push NLEX's lead further, 100-80.
Even with import George King’s brilliance, Blackwater just could not do anything inside the final five minutes especially with the absence of Sedrick Barefield.
Barefield, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, was out because of plantar fasciitis.
Bolick made up for a disappointing three-point outing against Batang Pier by producing a second-best 23 points, 15 of which he scored in the first half. He also had five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
Richie Rodger fired four treys for 14 points, while Xyrus Torres and Enoch Valdez had 12 and 11, respectively.
“Just don’t play like we played the other game,” said Uichico when asked how the Road Warriors turned things around following the forgettable opener.
“It was embarrassing. One game preparation, not too much adjustments. But it’s the players not wanting to lose that way.”
King saw his 40-point, eight-rebound, three-assist, and three-block game go down the drain anew as the Bossing absorbed a second straight loss.
Justin Chua was the only local who finished in double figures for Blackwater with 13 points.
The Scores:
NLEX 107 – Watkins 26, Bolick 23, Rodger 14, Torres 12, Valdez 11, Semerad 8, Amer 6, Herndon 3, Bahio 2, Mocon 2, Policarpio 0, Nermal 0.
BLACKWATER 95 – King 40, Chua 13, Tungcab 8, Kwekuteye 8, David 8, Montalbo 8, Ilagan 5, Escoto 5, Guinto 0, Jopia 0, Ponferrada 0, Suerte 0, Hill 0.
Quarterscores: 22-17, 53-46, 81-69, 107-95