Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Just like in Game 1, Robert Bolick provided the spark for San Beda in its all-important game against Perpetual on Tuesday.
Bolick was steady for the Red Lions, who had to buck a sluggish opening period, to finish with 14 points and six rebounds in the 78-63 victory over the Altas that sealed the Finals return.
“Na-shoot ko lang. Sometimes, ganoon naman talaga. When you feel it, you feel it. Down kami and we need to fight,” he said.
READ: Red Lions oust Altas, book 11th straight NCAA Finals berth
Bolick scored eight in the team’s 10-0 tear that turned a 26-17 deficit to a 27-26 lead, which the Red Lions would not relinquish en route to the 11th straight appearance in the Final round.
The transferee was happy to see his teammates step up when the Red Lions lost their twice-to-beat edge and were pushed to the brink by the Altas.
“Lahat naman ng mga teammates namin magagaling,” he said, as the Red Lions set up a date against Arellano to dispute the NCAA Season 92 championship. “Alam ko lahat ng teammates namin marunong maglaro at alam ko na kaya namin na kaya rin nila maglaro kaya kung ano man ang mayroon kami, binigay na namin lahat ngayon.”
READ: Bolick relishes shutting down Jalalon: ‘That’s my motivation’
Bolick has gone a long way since bidding La Salle goodbye back in UAAP Season 77, where he played behind Almond Vosotros, Oda Tampus, and Luigi dela Paz in the crowded guard rotation in Taft.
Now, he is a key contributor in San Beda’s bid to reclaim the title it lost last year.
“Masaya ako syempre kasi lahat ng nilipatan kong teams, winning teams. Malaki ang expectations, lalo na bench player lang ako sa La Salle pero ganito na ang nangyari sa akin ngayon. Nagpapasalamat ako kay coach Jamike, sa management, at sa mga teammates ko,” he said.
But he knows that it won’t be easy with Bolick expected to defend against Chiefs guard Jiovani
Jalalon, arguably the best point guard in college basketball today.
“I’m looking forward sa Thursday,” he said. “Sabi nga ni coach, yung pinakamagaling na point guard ang babantayan ko kaya tuwang tuwa ako na mababantayan ko sya.”