Bolick helps San Beda fend off Perpetual in NCAA opener

Robert Bolick was once again the hero San Beda needed as the defending champion edged Perpetual Help in dramatic fashion, 67-65, in the opening game of the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament.

Bolick secured the Red Lions’ game-sealing steal off Edgar Charcos’ pass, preventing the Altas from getting a last attempt at the basket.

But Bolick’s heroics didn’t just come at the buzzer as he figured in one of the Red Lions’ most crucial possessions with less than a minute remaining.

After missing his floater attempt, Bolick grabbed the rebound against Perpetual’s Prince Eze and set the play that led to Donald Tankoua’s layup with 54.8 seconds left and San Beda’s 67-63 lead.

“Robert is my go-to guy for every game and he did a good job for all of us,” said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez. “We came through and won this game, hopefully we can learn from the situation.”

San Beda almost didn’t need Bolick’s late-game steal had Jomari Presbitero made his two free throws that would’ve given the Red Lions a two-possession lead with just seconds left on the clock.

Bolick pushed past a bad-shooting performance and finished with 15 points on a 3-of-14 with four rebounds, and three assists.

Javee Mocon had a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double while Tankoua had a similar line of 12 points and 12 boards.

Eze had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks for the Altas.

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