WHILE Robert Bolick put on a show in NorthPort’s win on Friday night, Batang Pier import Prince Ibeh proved to be the unsung hero in the comeback victory over Meralco.
Ibeh had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and eight blocks in the Batang Pier’s 101-95 overtime win over the Bolts. But what made the feat more impressive was that the British-Rwandan import had limited practice time before the game.
[READ: Bolick's career-high 44 lift NorthPort to OT win vs Meralco]
NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio revealed Ibeh was placed under the league’s health protocols, forcing him to miss practices. Fortunately, Ibeh tested negative on Thursday and during the PBA’s mandatory testing procedures before game day.
“Hindi nag-practice ‘yan for the last five days. Nag-test siya ng positive sa COVID tapos nag-negative na siya kahapon, nag-shooting siya mag-isa. Tapos ngayon, pinakita niya how professional he is,” said Jarencio.
The absence of practice time eventually took its toll on Ibeh, who was seen limping around the court in some parts of the game, especially after he executed a dunk with five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Bolick said he believes Ibeh is the true best player of the game because of his effort.
“Para sa akin, si Prince. Ibang klase ‘yung nadadala niya sa depensa. Kung wala siya sa ilalim, ‘yung presence niya sa ilalim, hindi kami mananalo. Siya din, nasasaktan pero lumalaban,” said Bolick.
The 28-year-old Ibeh deflected all the credit to Bolick.
“I didn’t have any practice time honestly since the last game against the Dragons. I haven’t been on the court. I just have to try to do my best and we needed a monster game from Bolick to pull this out. I’m glad it happened,” said Ibeh.
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