First in Bolick era: NLEX turns back Magnolia to clinch twice-to-beat bonus

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Robert Bolick takes over in the last two quarters after a subpar first half as NLEX becomes the first team in the PBA Philippine Cup to clinch the playoff incentive

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in Robert Bolick’s tenure at NLEX, the Road Warriors will enjoy a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals.

NLEX became the first team in the PBA Philippine Cup to clinch the playoff incentive as Bolick took over in the second half of their 107-99 win over Magnolia at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, June 6.

Limited to 4 points in the first half, Bolick went on to finish with a game-high 25 points on top of 9 rebounds and 5 assists to help steer the Road Warriors to an 8-2 record and bring the team closer to the No. 1 seed.

Xyrus Torres fired 22 points, while Brandon Ramirez supplied 18 points and 9 rebounds in the victory that momentarily kept NLEX head coach Jong Uichico speechless as he grasped for words to describe his wards’ performance.

“I’m just surprised that the team is performing very well,” said Uichico in a mix of Filipino and English. “I’m just happy for them that they’re winning and that they’re hard work in practice is given meaning.”

“The win is their reward for their hard work.”

Magnolia still led 46-44 at halftime before Bolick found his touch from long range, draining back-to-back four-pointers midway through the third quarter to give NLEX a 72-64 lead.

Ramirez ended the period with a triple as the Road Warriors pushed their lead to 80-70 and were never threatened the rest of the way.

Jonel Policarpio made his presence felt for NLEX with 12 points on a perfect 4-of-4 clip to go with 6 rebounds — an impressive outing for the rookie who finally saw playing time after missing action in the last four games.

Zavier Lucero posted 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks to show the way for the Hotshots, who have fallen into a slump after gaining an early lead in the standings following their 6-0 start.

Magnolia lost three of its last four games since, with its latest defeat seeing the team squander a lead as big as 19 points.

The Hotshots appeared on their way to a blowout after mounting a commanding 32-13 lead near the end of the opening frame only to be outscored 38-65 in the middle quarters.

At 7-3, Magnolia is still in danger of being booted out of the top four.

Ian Sangalang backstopped Lucero with 21 points, while Jerom Lastimosa and Paul Lee added 17 and 16 points, respectively.

The Scores

NLEX 107 – Bolick 25, Torres 22, Ramirez 18, Policarpio 12, Mocon 10, Alas 9, Bahaio 5, Valdez 4, Nieto 2, Semerad 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0.

Magnolia 99 – Lucero 23, Sangalang 21, Lastimosa 17, Lee 16, Ahanmisi 8, Alfaro 4, Dionisio 4, Barroca 2, Navarro 2, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarters: 15-32, 44-46, 80-70, 107-99.

– Rappler.com