MANILA – NLEX Road Warriors leaned on the exploits of Robert Bolick Jr. to pull off a 104-99 victory over San Miguel Beermen in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Down by as many as 19 points at 65-46 in the third quarter, the Road Warriors slowly clawed their way back before tying the score at 94-all on back-to-back baskets by Bolick and a three-pointer from Anthony Semerad.
Bolick then broke the deadlock with a four-point shot before they secured the victory on a fastbreak dunk by Michael Griffin-Watkins and free throws from Ritchie Rodger and Bolick.
The former San Beda University Red Lions star finished with 39 points, with 20 coming in the fourth quarter, to go with nine assists as the Road Warriors improved to a 3-1 win-loss slate.
“Nagkataon lang ‘yung bola napunta sa akin at nabakante ako, at ‘yung kumpiyansa naman prina-practice ko naman ‘yun eh,” Bolick said, referring to his fourth-quarter explosion.
Watkins, for his part, added 17 points, 28 rebounds, and four blocks, Semerad chipped in 12 markers, while Xyrus Torres and Enoch Valdez ended with 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Road Warriors.
Road Warriors head coach Joseph Uichico, for his part, also praised Bolick for his all-around performance, especially in the fourth quarter, as they netted their third consecutive win.
“It’s a convenience to play with Berto because it makes the offensive game plan easier, he makes great decisions, he makes great shots, he plays defense,” Uichico said in a post-game interview.
“It is a luxury to have Robert as our lead point guard, you know that he will be there for us in the endgame, but in the fourth quarter we just made big shots, we defended well, to catch up,” he added.
Quincy Miller finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, June Mar Fajardo added 20 points and 19 boards, Jaymar Perez tallied 14, Juan Miguel Tiongson and Moala Tautuaa had 11 each, and Celedonio Trollano tallied 10. They dropped to 1-1 record./PN
BOX SCORE:
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.
