The NLEX Road Warriors are fighting for survival in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Robert Bolick slowly walked towards the bench as he made the “Relax, I got this” gesture to NLEX teammates ala late NBA great Kobe Bryant.
Bolick did that after nailing a crucial stepback trey over Phoenix ace Tyler Tio.
Bolick would score a fallaway jumper in the ensuing play, then teammate Anthony Semerad swished a trey and the Road Warriors went on to clip Phoenix, 108-94 in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Sunday, Jan. 19.
Other heroes also rose to the occasion for NLEX at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, among them rookie Jonnel Policarpio.
Policarpio emerged as the Player of the Game with a conference-high 17 points he complemented with nine rebounds as the Road Warriors ended a five-game misery to improve to 4-6.
More importantly, they boosted their playoff aspirations.
Bolick led all NLEX scorers with 26 points and also impressed in other departments with his five rebounds and nine assists.
Mike Watkins added 22 points and 18 boards. He led a 41-25 third quarter assault for the Road Warriors where he dropped 11 of his total output.
“I just think everybody had the mindset to contribute today. Alam nila kung gaano kaimportante ang laro ngayon,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico, whose team shot 12 triples.
“Everybody just had the mindset and will na maka-contribute sa panalong ito. Hindi namin kontrolado 'yung result. Pero 'yung chance na manalo today, binigyan nila ang sarili nila ng chance.”
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The win put to waste a 36-point, 14-rebound outing by Phoenix import Donovan Smith.
Smith also had three assists and two blocks, but not even his stellar performance could save the Fuel Masters from falling to a 3-7 hole.
Ricci Rivero added 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Scores:
NLEX 108 – Bolick 26, Watkins 22, Policarpio 17, Herndon 15, Semerad 11, Torres 9, Ramirez 5, Nieto 3, Mocon 0.
PHOENIX 94 – Smith 36, Rivero 13, Muyang 8, Perkins 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 45-48, 86-73, 108-94