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Bolick to the rescue as NLEX escapes Blackwater

Sports | Basketball

Bolick to the rescue as NLEX escapes Blackwater

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Robert Bolick sank the dagger triple as NLEX pulled off a great escape against Blackwater, 84-81, for a winning start to its PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup campaign at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, March 13.

Robert Bolick sank the dagger triple as NLEX pulled off a great escape against Blackwater, 84-81, for a winning start to its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup campaign at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, March 13.

The veteran gunner stepped up in the crunch, drilling a tough left wing three-pointer with 37 seconds left to give the Road Warriors a five-point cushion that proved to be enough to weather a last-ditch effort from the Bossing.

Bolick fired 13 of his 24 points in the final frame to go with seven assists and four steals as NLEX had to shake off some rust in the first half after trailing by as many as 16 points.

Import Cady Lallanne had a double-double of 22 points and 16 rebounds on top of two blocks while the newest Road Warrior Schonny Winston made a good account of himself with 10 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists.

It was actually a slow start for the Road Warriors, trailing 17-33 early in the second quarter. NLEX however heated up early in the fourth quarter with Bolick draining a huge four-pointer that triggered a 12-0 run that turned a 69-75 deficit to an 81-75 advantage.

Still, Blackwater kept itself within striking distance, needing the Bolick trey for a 84-79 lead. The Bossing refused to give up though with Daniel Ochefu cutting the lead down to three, 81-84.

Blackwater, however, just couldn’t get the game-tying triple with Christian David and Sedrick Barefield both coming up short in their respective attempts in the final possession.

Ochefu finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds while Barefield had 18 points to lead the Bossing.

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