ROBERT Bolick scored 32 points and provided the endgame leadership NLEX needed in overcoming Terrafirma, 104-85, Tuesday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Bolick scattered eight of his points inside the last five minutes and started steadying the Road Warriors after the Dyip came charging back from 25 points down in the third quarter to threaten within 81-88.
It was NLEX's second straight win after an opening loss, but coach Jong Uichico was far from completely satisfied following the game against an opponent which played all-Filipino in the entire second half.
"Why do they have to weather the storm? We were already in control of the game, why do they have to put themselves in that situation?" posed Uichico.
"We gave up 55 points in the second half so we put themselves in that situation. It's good, yes, that they weathered the storm. But there shouldn't have been a storm."
Sponsored content: According to Uichico, that simply would not do when NLEX goes up against San Miguel Beer on Dec. 8 and Barangay Ginebra three days later, that's why his side would work on several things in their upcoming practices.
"Because we will be playing San Miguel Beer and Ginebra in the next games. We can probably get away with some mistakes (against some teams), but we can't get away with those mistakes if you play San Miguel and Ginebra," stressed Uichico.
Mike Watkins also came up with a dominating performance with 26 points, 30 rebounds and four blocked shots, which all made up for his 6-of-16 shooting from the stripes.
"He gives us what we need. He's got 30 rebounds, 'yun 'yung kailangan namin," noted Uichico.
The loss was Terrafirma's third in as many games, but it did put up a much better showing after trailing by as much as 45-70, 6:02 left in the third canto.
Sponsored content: Ryan Richards, who is reportedly bothered by some back issues that caused him to see action in just one second against NorthPort and forced him out of practice last Monday, saw action for a little over 17 minutes in the first half, notching six points on a 2-of-10 clip, and seven rebounds.
Vic Manuel topscored for Terrafirma with 22 points, 18 of those coming in the third period when the Dyip whittled their deficit to just 62-75.
Kevin Ferrer brought Terrafirma closest with a triple, 81-88. But after a timeout, Bolick found Anthony Semerad for a triple and Watkins fed Watkins for a drive before Bolick fully took charge in scoring. (NC)
The Scores :
NLEX 104 - Bolick 32, Watkins 26, Torres 15, Semerad 13, Rodger 7, Herndon 3, Bahio 2, Fajardo 2, Valdez 2, Alas 2, Mocon 0, Amer 0, Marcelo 0.
TERRAFIRMA 85 - Manuel 22, Melecio 10, Ferrer 10, Pringle 9, Zaldivar 7, Nonoy 6, Richards 6, Sangalang 5, Olivario 3, Catapusan 3, Hernandez 2, Paraiso 2, Ramos 0, Hanapi 0.
QUARTERS : 27-11, 51-30, 75-62, 104-85
