Bolick bails NLEX out of trouble

Robert Bolick delivered a crucial three-pointer with just over a minute left that triggered NLEX’s closing run to repel Titan Ultra, 92-83, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Bolick nailed a huge trey with 1:04 left in the game that shattered an 83-83 deadlock as the Road Warriors used a 9-0 barrage to secure their second straight victory for a 6-2 win-loss record.

“We really needed this win, especially with a very tight race in the standings,” said Bolick, who finished with 36 points on 11-of-19 field goal shooting while dishing out 10 assists.

NLEX moved up to the solo lead as it built momentum heading into a halt of the all-Filipino conference action, as the PBA gives way to Gilas Pilipinas’ participation in the first window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Games will resume on 5 December.

“We just gave our best so that we’ll have good momentum coming into the Gilas break,” Bolick added.

JB Bahio delivered a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds while Xyrus Torres scored seven for the Road Warriors, whose next assignment is on 7 December against Magnolia.

Giant Risers guard Joshua Munzon knotted the tightly contested match at 83 for the last of eight deadlocks with 1:16 left.

Bolick answered with a corner three — his last of 17 points in the quarter — followed by Dom Fajardo’s basket after Munzon missed a four-pointer.

NLEX forced a turnover in the next play before Torres and Javee Mocon made the finishing touches from the freethrow line.

Titan Ultra fell to a second straight loss for a 2-6 card.

Calvin Abueva led the Giant Risers with 27 points and 15 rebounds while Munzon had 19 points. Von Pessumal had 14 points in a losing effort.