NLEX coach Jong Uichico stressed how convenient it is to have Robert Bolick when the chips are down.
When push came to shove, Robert Bolick delivered.
Bolick took matters into his own hands in the fourth period to lift NLEX past San Miguel, 104-99, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Bolick dropped 20 of his 39 points in the fourth period. He shot a four-pointer in the frame that broke a 94-all tie with 1:27 remaining.
[RELATED STORY: Robert Bolick steers NLEX past San Miguel for third straight win in PBA Commissioner's Cup]
The ace playmaker, who also had two rebounds, nine assists and a steal, then sank two pressure-packed free throws with 10.2 left to play for insurance.
Road Warriors coach Jong Uichico could not stress enough how lucky his team is to have a reliable closer like Bolick.
“It’s a convenience to play with Berto because it makes your offensive game easier. He makes great decisions, he makes big shots, he plays defense,” said Uichico after the game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“It’s a luxury. I’m lucky I have Robert as our lead point guard. You know he’ll be there at endgame.”
Import Mike Watkins was also stellar for the Road Warriors as he put up mpnster numbers of 17 points and 28 rebounds he spiked with four blocks. He did all that while also trying to tame eight-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo of the Beermen, who still finished with 20 points and 19 boards.
Anthony Semerad shot four triples on his way to 12 points, while Xyrus Torres and Enoch Valdez had 11 and 10 points, respectively for NLEX, which completed a fightback from 19 points down in the third period.
“No major adjustments,” said Uichico when asked what the Road Warriors did to recover from their double-digit deficit.
“I just think [we] defended well and [we] made big shots in the end to catch up.”
Meanwhile, Quincy Miller paced San Miguel with 21 points and 11 rebounds. But he was not exactly as explosive when the crucial minutes came: he coughed up just two points in the fourth period.
CJay Perez finished 14 points, Juami Tiongson and Mo Tautuaa scored 11, while Don Trollano had 10 for the Beermen, who now hold a 1-1 record.
The Scores:
NLEX 104 – Bolick 39, Watkins 17, Semerad 12, Torres 11, Valdez 10, Rodger 8, Alas 4, Herndon 3, Marcelo 0, Bahio 0.
SAN MIGUEL 99 – Miller 21, Fajardo 20, Perez 14, Tiongson 11, Tautuaa 1, Trollano 10, Lassiter 6, Brondial 2, Cahilig 2, Rosales 2, Cruz 0, Ross 0, Enciso 0.
Quarterscores: 17-21, 40-53, 71-75, 104-99