Against his former workforce, Robert Bolick took cost as he steered NLEX to a 107-100 extra time win in opposition to NorthPort to open their PBA Philippine Cup marketing campaign on Friday on the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bolick, who was traded to the Road Warriors from the Batang Pier final convention, starred with 31 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal, and one block for a 1-0 begin whereas NorthPort sank to 0-1. This is NLEX’ highest output from an area since Kevin Alas’ 31 factors in opposition to Converge within the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Bolick cut up his free throws to interrupt a 93-all impasse earlier than Enoch Valdez stole the leather-based then issued a move to Anthony Semerad, who would bury a nook triple to provide NLEX a 97-93 lead with 31.6 seconds left.
Arvin Tolentino responded with a triple of his personal to chop the deficit to only one, 96-97, earlier than his floater tied issues up anew at 98-all within the ultimate. 7.1 seconds.
Bolick, although, missed out on a possible game-winner as the sport went into extra time.
The former San Beda standout then made up for it with a pair of freebies earlier than Dave Marcelo secured an and-one play for a 104-100 cushion for the Road Warriors with 50 seconds left within the additional interval.
Semerad would nonetheless full a layup earlier than Bolick’s cut up from the stripe sealed the win for NLEX.
Rookie Enoch Valdez churned out 16 factors alongside 9 rebounds, three steals, and one help whereas Sean Anthony and Semerad every poured in 15 markers to assist the Frankie Lim-helmed squad.
Tolentino paced NorthPort, getting back from a knee harm late final convention with a team-high 29 factors, seven rebounds, three blocks, and two assists whereas Allyn Bulanadi chimed in with 19 markers.
The loss spoiled the PBA debut of Zavier Lucero and the return of Will Navarro. Lucero put collectively 13 factors, eight rebounds, and 4 blocks whereas Navarro completed with a double-double of 12 markers and 13 boards.
Scores:
NLEX 107 – Bolick 31, Valdez 16, Anthony 15, Semerad 15, Pascual 9, Ular 6, Nieto 5, Marcelo 4, Miranda 3, Amer 2, Nermal 0.
NorthPort 100 – Tolentino 29, Bulanadi 19, Lucero 13, Navarro 12, Munzon 8, Zamar 6, Calma 4, Flores 4, Rosales 2, Chan 2, Paraiso 1, Cuntapay 0, Yu 0.
Quarters: 29-25, 55-50, 74-72, 98-98, 107-100.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com