PBA: Robert Bolick powers NLEX past Magnolia

NLEX Road Warriors’ Robert Bolick in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–NLEX showed little rust on Saturday night, dismantling Magnolia, 87-74, in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Road Warriors were feisty right from the jump behind ace Robert Bolick who also put the game beyond doubt when the Hotshots showed signs of life towards the end of the contest at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

“My guys played well. Offensively, defensively, they stuck to the game plan. I’m just happy it worked well,” said coach Frankie Lim, whose charges rose to a 5-1 win-loss mark in the centerpiece conference.

READ: PBA Player of Week: Robert Bolick towing NLEX to strong start

Bolick wound up with 26 points and nine assists while Anthony Semerad 22 points and 10 rebounds in the triumph that dealt the Hotshots, a traditional title contender, their lowest output in franchise history since an 88-70 loss to TNT in Game 1 of the 2021 Philippine Cup Finals.

Magnolia pulled within four, 26-22, halfway through the second period, but saddled with frosty shooting, the Hotshots hardly stood a chance as the game plodded along.

Ian Sangalang and Russel Escoto both finished with 13 points, their production the only double-digit scores for Magnolia, which dropped to 1-2.

NLEX plays corporate sibling TNT next in a match slated Saturday next week. The Hotshots, meanwhile, tackle streaking NorthPort this coming Wednesday.

PBA scores:

NLEX 87 – Bolick 26, Semerad 22, Herndon 9, Miranda 6, Amer 6, Fajardo 6, Nieto 6, Pasucal 3, Nermal 2, Rodger 0, Marcelo 1, Anthony 0, Valdez 0.

MAGNOLIA 74 – Escoto 13, Sanagalang 13, Barroca 10, Laput 8, Jalalon 6, Corpuz 5, Lee 5, Mendoza 5, Ahanmisi 4, Eriobu 3, Reavis 0, Murrell 0.

Quarterscores: 26-12, 37-27, 67-47, 87-74.