In a thrilling showdown at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, March 13, NLEX guard Robert Bolick showcased his versatility and leadership to guide the Road Warriors to a pulsating 103-97 victory over the Blackwater Bossing in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.
Bolick, who recently set a career-high in scoring, continued his impressive performance by flirting with a triple-double in this game. With nerves of steel, he delivered crucial triples in the endgame to secure the win for NLEX, despite the gritty challenge posed by Blackwater.
Video from YouTube Channel of One Sports
Finishing the game with 21 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, Bolick's near-triple double was instrumental in NLEX's third consecutive victory, bringing their record to an impressive 4-1. Looking ahead, the Road Warriors are set to face Magnolia on April 6, aiming to extend their winning streak in the competition.
Joining Bolick in the scoring department, Jhan Nermal contributed 16 points, while Roosevelt Adams Herndon added 14 points along with a game-high 10 rebounds. Former Blackwater player Baser Amer also made his presence felt with 12 points, further bolstering NLEX's offensive firepower.
Meanwhile, despite a valiant effort from Blackwater, led by Rey Suerte with 21 points and seven rebounds, crucial missed free throws in the final minutes proved costly for the Bossing. As a result, Blackwater's unbeaten start to the conference came to an end, prompting them to regroup quickly for their upcoming game against Terrafirma on Saturday at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Rey Nambatac and Troy Rosario contributed 16 points each for Blackwater, but it wasn't enough to overcome NLEX's determined effort on the court.
As the PBA Philippine Cup continues, both NLEX and Blackwater will seek to build on their performances and strive for success in the highly competitive tournament.
WATCH: Blackwater vs. NLEX Game Highlights