Robert Bolick, Batang Pier far from done

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MANILA, Philippines—It was a conclusion to an otherwise thrilling game, but Robert Bolick’s layup that gave NorthPort the 110-108 win over Columbian in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup would’ve meant more if it went the conventional way.

Bolick was still awarded the two points in his drive but instead of the ball making a good old swish down the net, the field goal was counted due to Lester Prosper’s goaltending violation when he hit the rim on the challenge with 2.8 seconds left.

“Well of course, I’d prefer if it went in,” said Bolick in Filipino Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “But he hit the rim and I really can’t do anything about it.”

Bolick added the play was supposed to be for Moala Tautuaa, but after the Dyip got in the way, he decided it was best to take the shot at the rim.

“When it comes down to those moments, as a player you just have to take advantage of it,” said Bolick, who had 21 points and five assists. “It was a broken play, it was supposed to go to Mo, but I took it.”

The victory gave the Batang Pier an 8-2 record for the second seed with the twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs within reach.

Bolick, however, said that there’s no reason to celebrate yet and that the players are only beginning to instill a winning culture.

“We really want that twice-to-beat advantage, and we have to start winning,” said Bolick, the third overall pick in the 2018 Draft. “If we win then we’ll build our winning culture. Last conference we started 2-0 and we just fell down the ladder.”

NorthPort finished with a 5-6 record in the Philippine Cup but lost six straight midway through the conference.

The Batang Pier, though, fixed that problem bouncing back immediately after losses to Barangay Ginebra, 73-70, and Phoenix, 97-87, both of which ended winning streaks.

NorthPort was on a three-game run before the loss to the Gin Kings and responded with a four-game winning streak prior to the defeat against the Fuel Masters.

“But now we’re able to bounce back after a loss, and that’s the most important thing for us.”