Bolick, Torres lead the way as NLEX torches Rain or Shine

NLEX Road Warriors star Robert Bolick in action against the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — The NLEX Road Warriors moved past the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters to keep their slim PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoff hopes alive.

Robert Bolick and Xyrus Torres were instrumental in their 122-110 victory on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with the latter even tallying all of his scoring output in the last quarter.

Bolick exploded with his conference-high of 40 points with 10 assists and six rebounds in the Road Warriors’ fifth win in 11 games, Torres finished with 12 markers, while Mike Watkins provided 25 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.

”At least, we know that we can battle especially when the games count,” said NLEX head coach Jong Uichico during the postgame presser. “Even if the chances are very slim, we give ourselves a shot every time.”

”Our locals held the fort. Pwedeng bumaliktad yung laro eh, pero because they played well, we were able to hang on. Yun ang importante doon. Maski wala yung import namin, they still worked hard,” furthered Uichico, pointing out how his locals stepped up when Watkins was riddled with fouls, especially in the last quarter.

Despite already leading by 22, 73-51, earlier in the third, the Road Warriors saw their lead cut into two possessions, 86-79, as the 36th minute ended all thanks to a late Rain or Shine run which was capped off by a three-pointer by Keith Datu.

Fortunately for NLEX, Tony Semerad hit a crucial three-pointer with still 11:12 in the last frame, and Kevin Alas as well as Torres also made crucial baskets which eventually helped them regain their momentum and rebuild a 20-point cushion later in the contest.

This, according to Bolick, was just a testament to the sense of urgency that they have been showing as this victory put them at 5-6, currently tied with the San Miguel Beermen at the eighth and ninth spot in the team standings.

“Wala nang bukas eh, so naka-focus lang talaga kami. Alam namin, yung kabila desperado sila. Eh mas desperado kami, isang talo wala na kami. So ngayon, at least may chance pa kami,” explained Bolick.

On the other hand, this was Rain or Shine’s second straight loss, and they are now at the seventh spot in the team standings as they were previously tripped by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last Wednesday.

Dean Thompson and Jhonard Clarito provided 26 and 20 markers for the E-Painters who were looking to formalize their playoff berth, but unfortunately, they are still yet to do so as they fell to 6-5 in the team standings.

The Scores:

NLEX 122 – Bolick 40, Watkins 25, Semerad 17, Torres 12, Alas 11, Mocon 10, Policarpio 4, Ramirez 3, Herndon 0.

Rain or Shine 110 – Thompson 26, Clarito 20, Nocum 16, Santillan 12, Datu 10, caracut 8, Tiongson 4, Belga 4, Ildefonso 4, Lemetti 6, Norwood 0,

Quarterscores: 29-23, 65-48, 86-79, 122-110.