Bolick finally comes alive, helps NLEX end slide

Sports

ROBERT Bolick was back in his usual productive self and the NLEX Road Warriors finally ended an alarming skid by beating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 108-94, in the 49th PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Sunday, January 19.

Bolick struggled in NLEX’s previous outings but found his shooting touch in the crucial match as the Road Warriors snapped a five-game slide to improve to 4-6 (win-loss).

Bolick fired 26 points, spiked by one four-ball and two trifecats, dished off nine assists, and plucked five rebounds to help NLEX score its first win since December 8 of last year and tie Magnolia at ninth spot in the team standings.

NLEX import Michael Watkins added 22 points and 18 rebounds while Jonnel Policarpio, Robert Herndon and Anthony Semerad contributed 17, 15 and 11 points, respectively.

Despite the win, NLEX is still in a must-win situation as it needs to sweep its last two games against Rain or Shine and Eastern for a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Phoenix, on the other hand, dropped to 3-7, good only for 11th spot. The Fuel Masters still have two games left which will be against the Blackwater Bossing and the formidable TNT Tropang Giga.

Donovan Smith led the losing Fuel Masters with 32 points and 14 rebounds.

THE SCORES:

NLEX (108) - Bolick 26, Watkins 22, Policarpio 17, Herndon 15, Semerad 11, Torres 9, Ramirez 5, Nieto 3, Mocon 0.

PHOENIX (94) - Smith 36, Rivero 13, Perkins 8, Muyang 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Garcia 5, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Camacho 0, Ular 0, Daves 0, Verano 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 25-17, 45-48, 86-73, 108-94.(CCM)