When the game hung in the balance against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Robert Bolick took over. And as he did, the veteran powered NLEX deeper into the early conversation in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Bolick came through with a composed 32-point outing built on an efficient 11-of-19 shooting clip, punctuated by a decisive three-pointer in the closing minute that lifted the Road Warriors past Barangay Ginebra, 118-113, last Friday.
“Character win ito,” Bolick said after drilling the go-ahead triple with 46.1 seconds remaining, a shot that swung the lead to 115-113 and ultimately sealed the result.
Bolick Named PBA Press Corps Player of the Week
That late-game brilliance did not go unnoticed, as Bolick secured the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation for the stretch of March 25–29.
The long-range dagger came over the outstretched defense of RJ Abarrientos and capped off a spirited NLEX fightback from 13 points down. It also marked a strong response following the team’s narrow 103-97 loss to TNT, their first setback after opening the conference with back-to-back wins.
“‘Yun ‘yung mga tinatrabaho ko araw-araw sa practice,” Bolick said of the clutch make. “Pagdating sa sitwasyon na ganun, kumpiyansa lang at tiwala sa tinrabaho ko from high school, college, at hanggang pro. Kapag nag-mintis ‘yun, ako ang sisihin, ganun naman ang basketball. Willing naman ako tanggapin ‘yun.”
At 3-1, NLEX sits in a crowded second spot alongside Terrafirma Dyip, Phoenix Fuel Masters, and Meralco Bolts. They trail only the unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who are at 3-0.
Bolick, the Perfectionist?
Despite the standout numbers, Bolick remained critical of his performance, pointing to 5 turnovers that nearly undid their effort.
“Sama nga ng laro ko eh. Ako nga ‘yung –10, may mga turnover sa dulo. Ang ganda lang ng laban namin nitong back-to-back games. Nasulot kami ng TNT, eto lumamang na naman sila, panay turnover ako, kala mo dere-derecho na pero lumaban kami at nakuha pa namin ang panalo,” he admitted.
Bolick ultimately edged out fellow contenders Ricci Rivero (Phoenix), Felix Lemetti (Rain or Shine), and Zavier Lucero (Magnolia Hotshots) for the weekly honor awarded by media members covering the PBA beat.
