Robert Bolick leads NLEX in their PBA Philippine Cup opener against his former team NorthPort. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Robert Bolick’s trust in his teammates paid off in a huge way on Friday.
NLEX emerged victorious over Northport in overtime, 107-100, in the PBA Philippine Cup at Araneta Coliseum on Friday behind Bolick’s 31-point outburst.
However, the stat sheet doesn’t show the whole story.
Despite the former Batang Pier’s high-scoring exhibition, Bolick struggled in the latter part of the game.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
Fortunately, guys like Dave Marcelo and Anthony Semerad stepped up in the extra period to give the Road Warriors the crucial baskets needed to keep Northport at bay.
“There are lots of ways to win. Even with my bad shooting, I had big steals, rebounds and I trusted my teammates. I saw how they work. When they’re free, I’ll really give it to them. I know they work on those shots in practice,” said Bolick, who went 9-of-22 from the field for a 40 percent shooting clip, in Filipino.
“When I’m doubled, it will really go on the open man. We live and die by that.”
READ: Bolick starts new PBA tour as new NLEX team leader
With the score tied at 98-all in regulation after an Arvin Tolentino bucket, Bolick took a step-back jumper to try to win the game but to no avail.
The San Beda product continued to miss field goals in overtime but that’s when Marcelo and Semerad would drive the lanes for clutch baskets that would ultimately give the win to NLEX.
“That’s their job. They go to practice early, do shooting drills and this is the gift of their hard work so I’m excited for the team,” said Bolick.
The win elated the former Gilas Pilipinas player but kept in mind that the season is still very young.
The Road Warriors will only have 48 hours of rest before going back into action on Sunday against Terrafirma, which defeated Converge earlier, 107-99.
“This is just one game and Terrafirma also won earlier. They’re playing really well. We won’t take them lightly and we’re excited for Sunday. Hopefully, we win again.”