NLEX Road Warriors’ Robert Bolick during a game against Rain or Shine Elastopainters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES
NLEX spilled Rain or Shine, 122-110, breathing life to its playoff aspirations in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday night.
The Road Warriors, on the shoulders of top gun Robert Bolick Jr. and his 40 points, joined San Miguel at No. 8 with a 5-6 win-loss mark and kept a quarterfinals berth within reach.
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“At least we now know that we can battle, especially when the games count. We don’t lose faith, we don’t lose hope even when the chances are very slim. We give ourselves a shot all the time. If we can translate that in all the games, we’ll be alright,” head coach Jong Uichico said shortly after the victory at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
“I told coach there’s no more tomorrow. We know the other team is desperate and one loss and we’re out. Now, at least, we have a chance (at advancing),” said Bolick, who added six rebounds, 10 assists and a pair of steals to his name.
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Import Mike Watkins chipped in 25 points, Tony Semarad 17, while Xyrus Torres, Kevin Alas, and Javee Mocon double-digit scores each in the effort that muddled up the race for the last two spots for the next round that the Painters and Magnolia are also trying to capture.
Rain or Shine got the goods from import Deon Thompson who had 26 points. Jhonard Clarito led all the locals with 20 points in the losing stand that put one of the feel-good clubs of this PBA season in yet another perilous position.
Had the ElastoPainters won by eight points, they would’ve taken a spot in the next round.
NLEX will try to bolster its bid for a quarters berth when it goes up against Hong Kong Eastern on Wednesday.
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
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Quarterscores: 29-23, 65-48, 86-79, 122-110.
