The 2024 PBA All-Star game may have ended in a stalemate, but Team Barroca should feel a bit better than Team Japeth as far as its late-game hero Robert Bolick was concerned.

While there was no winner in the thrilling contest that ended at 140-all, the All-Star Game co-MVP pointed out his team should be happier with the result as they managed to close the gap that went as wide as 32 points.

It was CJ Perez’ 39-point output that kept Team Barroca afloat before Bolick took over in the final minute to force the tie, draining two crucial four-pointers including a rare five-point play that tied the count down in the waning seconds.

“Mas masama ang pakiramdam nila kasi lamang sila sa amin. Parang nanalo kami eh 30 seconds lamang pa sila ng siyam. Ganun talaga, bilog ang bola,” said Bolick, who would have wanted and played in the extra period if there was one.

“Akala ko lalaruin ‘yung overtime. Mas maganda ‘yung may panalo. Pero All-Star ‘to e, at least maganda para sa akin, ako ‘yung nagpatabla,” he added.

Indeed, the end game should be a memorable one for Bolick considering how mighty he had struggled in the All-Star game ever since the four-point shot was introduced.

He was 0-of-8 last year in Passi City and drained his first four-point shot inside the final minute this year when he kept Team Barroca within striking distance, 140-135.

Cliff Hodge completed a stop in the next possession and then located Bolick, who rifled another four-pointer while picking up a foul on the challenging Calvin Oftana.

He coolly sank the bonus free throw as Team Barroca held for one more stop to settle for the tie.

The NLEX star was just glad to deliver when it mattered the most.

“Ang sama ng laro ko, kahit last year di rin ako naka-shoot. Ngayon lang, first time to biniyayaan lang siguro ng Panginoon,” said Bolick.

“Feeling ko dahil dun (four-point shot) nakakasama ng laro kasi iniisip mo titira ka dun eh mag-miss ka na isa dalawa wala na momentum. Dapat next time focus ka na lang sa malapit,” he added.

Bolick also lauded his teammates and coaches led by San Miguel Beer head coach Jorge Gallent for urging him to continue shooting despite his low percentage.

“Ang ganda ‘pag may beterano kang teammates e, kausap ko sina Jayson, sina Mark, ‘Ge tira mo lang.’ Si Coach Jorge, siya rin nagsasabi, ‘Tumulong ka naman! Tumira ka naman diyan.’ Nagkataon lang,” said Bolick.