ANTIPOLO – NLEX dedicated its victory to Robert Bolick, who missed the Road Warriors’ 85-84 win over San Miguel in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup as he grieves over the death of his father.
The Road Warriors played a collective effort in the absence of their star player, who won a spot in the Mythical First Team in the Leo Awards just last Sunday.
READ Policarpio steps up in Bolick absence as NLEX stuns San Miguel
His father passed away shortly thereafter, and he had to leave for the United States on the eve of the game.
“Dine-dedicate ko ‘yung laro para kay Kuya Berto,” said Jonnel Policarpio, who had 16 points like Brandon Ramirez to lead NLEX in the win. “Alam naman natin ‘yung nangyari. Kuya Bert, be strong.”
NLEX coach Jong Uichico said the original plan was for Bolick to play in Wednesday’s game before heading to the US
“He was supposed to play but something happened that he had to leave right away,” said Uichico. “Kaya hinabol niya ‘yung flight.”
With its star guard not around, NLEX played inspired basketball, coming back from a 56-43 deficit to pick up the win against no less than the reigning Philippine Cup champions.
READ Why Bolick dad has never seen any of his games
“Malaki ang epekto ng laro ni Berto sa amin. It was a collective effort ng lahat in the absence of Berto,” said Uichico. “Sabi nga ni Poli, of course, we are trying to dedicate this game to Berto.”
Bolick is likely to miss NLEX’s next game against Terrafirma on Sunday as Uichico said they are giving him time to be with his family. After the match against the Dyip, NLEX’s next game will be on October 22 against Phoenix.
“I think next week pa. Kasi siyempre, maski maglaro siya today, we should give him some time. Close siya sa father niya. We should give him as much time as we can para when he comes back, tama na ‘yung mindset niya. Wag lang masyadong matagal,” said Uichico.
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