Robert Bolick fired 40 points as NLEX picked up a crucial 122-110 victory over Rain or Shine to keep its chase for a playoff spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The Road Warriors rode on the scintillating shooting from Bolick who steadied the ship for his team when they were forced to play without import Mike Watkins due to foul trouble and with the Elasto Painters rallying back into the game.

While Bolick had a night for himself, he got plenty of help from the rest of the crew with Anthony Semerad, Xyrus Torres and Kevin Alas all picking up the slack to shut the door on ROS comeback hopes.

The big win allowed the Road Warriors to improve to a 5-6 slate and force a tie with the San Miguel Beermen for eighth spot of the standings.

Bolick also added 10 assists for a double-double effort while Semerad finished with 17, Torres had 12 and Alas with 11 as they also provided timely hits especially down the stretch when ROS threatened after trailing by as many as 22 and came within five, 81-86 early in the final frame.

Baskets from Torres and Semerad kept the Elasto Painters at bay before Watkins and Bolick conspired in another huge run to stretch the lead back to twin digits and put on the finishing touches.

Watkins, who had to sit out for an extended period in the second half after picking up his fifth foul in the third, made up for lost time and still finished with a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Deon Thompson had 26 while Jhonard Clarito, who led the second half fightback, added 20 in a losing effort for the Elasto Painters who now slid to a 6-5 record after two back-to-back losses.

Another loss in its last game against TNT could put ROS in further complication where it could even fall out of the playoff picture.