PBA: Bolick connects in clutch as NLEX ends Blackwater’s flawless run

Robert Bolick comes to NLEX Road Warriors’ rescue again in the PBA Philippine Cup, this time against Blackwater. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Robert Bolick knocked down two dagger threes in the final seconds as NLEX ended Blackwater’s unbeaten start with a 103-97 victory Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Bolick picked up where he left off from the past two games and delivered 21 points spiked by four triples to propel the Road Warriors to a 4-1 record going into a 24-day break.

The first of his killer shots came with 47 seconds left which NLEX up 100-94, before Blackwater responded when Rey Suerte drained a three of his own to trim the gap back to three.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup

But Bolick came through yet again with a shot from the left side for a scoreline that eventually became the final score.

NLEX won despite missing coach Frankie Lim, who suffered an injury during practice, prompting lead assistant and multi-time champion Jong Uichico to call the shots.

WATCH: NLEX’s Robert Bolick and assistant coach Borgie Hermida after the victory. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/ScgXG7bFKZ

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 13, 2024

Assistant coach Borgie Hermida said Lim hurt his thumb after getting hit by a ball and the pain was unbearable for the NLEX mentor to at least show up.

READ: With new career-high and baby on the way, Bolick is on cloud nine

It wasn’t just Bolick who delivered for the Road Warriors as rookies Dominic Fajardo and Jhan Nermal also stepped up.

Fajardo continued his impressive stretch with 14 points, four rebounds and three assists while Nermal posted 16 points and seven rebounds behind his all-around hustle on both ends.

Blackwater dropped to 3-1 as it fell short of matching the best start in franchise history.

Suerte finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the Bossing’s first setback of the All-Filipino tournament.

NLEX vs Blackwater scores

NLEX 103—Bolick 21, Nermal 16, Herndon 14, Fajardo 14, Amer 12, Semerad 11, Rodger 9, Marcelo 4, Valdez 2, Miranda 0, Pascual 0.

BLACKWATER 97—Suerte 21, Rosario 16, Nambatac 16, Tungcab 15, Guinto 12, Ilagan 8, David 4, Yap 3, Escoto 2, Sena 0, Hill 0, Kwekuteye 0, Jopia 0.

Quarters: 22-26, 50-51, 71-72, 103-97.