ROBERT Bolick had a near triple double for his new team as NLEX overcame a tough stand by Blackwater, 104-97, on Wednesday in the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Bolick tallied 30 points, eight rebounds, 15 assists, and four steals, producing his best performance in just the second game of his NLEX career since being acquired in a trade with NorthPort a few weeks ago.
Chaffee steady
Stokley Chaffee also supplied the Road Warriors with the much-needed firepower in the fourth, finishing with 20 points and 13 rebounds to, like Bolick, nab his first win as an NLEX player.
The Road Warriors snapped a four-game losing streak, ending 2023 on a high note by improving to 3-6.
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The Bossing continued their slide, going down to last place in the team standings with a 1-8 record after their eighth straight defeat.
Bolick and Chaffee combined forces in breaking an 87-87 deadlock with a 7-0 spurt midway through the final quarter.
NLEX rookies also played a vital role in the win, with Jhan Nermal contributing 16 points and four rebounds and Enoch Valdez hitting 11 points.
“We struggled a bit lalo na nung first half when they (Blackwater) had 17 points on second shots. During the half, sabi ko sa kanila, we have to block out and give them one shot at a time. It helped a little,” said NLEX coach Frankie Lim.
“Plus, big games from our guys like Berto and Nermal, and also our import who is celebrating his birthday,” said Lim.
Chris Ortiz had 27 points and seven assists for the Bossing.
The scores:
NLEX 104 – Bolick 30, Chaffee 20, Nermal 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Valdez 11, Semerad 5, Anthony 4, Rodger 3, Miranda 3, Herndon 0.
Blackwater 97 – Ortiz 27, David 17, Ilagan 16, DiGregorio 12, Suerte 7, Concepcion 6, Rosario 5, Sena 4, Hill 2, Ular 1, Kwekuteye 0, Guinto 0, Escoto 0.
Quarters: 27-26; 52-51; 77-70; 104-97.
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