PBA: Bolick-less NLEX upsets All-Filipino defending champs San Miguel

NLEX‘s Jonnel Policarpio in action against San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.RIZAL — The NLEX Road Warriors scored an upset win vs. the San Miguel Beermen, 85-84, on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Despite the absence of Robert Bolick who flew to the US due to his father’s passing, NLEX managed to take down the defending champions through the efforts of Jonnel Policarpio who steered them in their 13-point fight back.

Policarpio dropped 12 of his 16 points in the second half, including the crucial triple that put NLEX up by four points, 82-78 with 3:38 left in the game.

Brandon Ramirez also had 16 markers, six boards and three assists, JB Bahio tallied a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Kevin Alas also chipped in 13 markers, five rebounds and two steals.

Bahio put NLEX ahead by five points with 17 ticks left, 85-80. But Don Trollano cut the lead by one after draining a four-point shot.

Bahio once again made a trip to the stripe with 9.8 seconds left, but failed to put the Road Warriors up by three.

San Miguel had one more shot to steal the victory in the final possession, but Trollano lost control of the ball in the dying seconds of the game.

June Mar Fajardo powered the Beermen with 18 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.

Trollano added 17 markers, five assists and three steals, while Jericho Cruz contributed 12 points and six rebounds.

San Miguel aims to bounce back against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, while NLEX seeks to continue its win streak as they face the Terrafirma Dyip on Sunday at the same venue.