Key Performances
- Robert Bolick: Delivered an impressive performance with 23 points and 10 assists, bouncing back strongly from a subpar showing in the previous game.
- Mike Watkins: Dominated inside with a powerful double-double of 26 points and 25 rebounds, creating significant matchup issues for Blackwater.
Game Highlights
- NLEX overcame a 40-point explosion by Blackwater’s George King, showcasing superior team play and resilience.
- The Road Warriors started with a strong 20-8 lead but faced challenges when Blackwater surged ahead 32-26. However, Bolick, Watkins, and contributions from Richie Rodger, Xyrus Torres, and Enoch Valdez helped regain control.
- A decisive 15-4 run in the fourth quarter, featuring clutch back-to-back triples from Anthony Semerad, sealed the game for NLEX.
Coach Jong Uichico’s Perspective
- Praised Watkins’ inside presence as a game-changer compared to King’s scoring output.
- Emphasized consistency and sticking to the game plan, which the team successfully executed in this match, unlike their previous loss to NorthPort (87-114).
Notable Absences and Adjustments
- Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield was sidelined due to a foot injury, impacting the Bossing’s offensive options.
- Despite this, Blackwater remained competitive, narrowing the gap to 76-85 before NLEX pulled away in the final minutes.
Impact on Standings
- NLEX improved to a 1-1 record, showcasing their ability to rebound from adversity and apply lessons from prior mistakes.
This win highlighted NLEX’s depth, resilience, and commitment to their strategy, setting a strong tone for the rest of the conference.
The Scores :
NLEX 107 – Watkins 26, Bolick 23, Rodger 14, Torres 12, Valdez 11, Semerad 8, Amer 6, Herndon 3, Bahio 2, Mocon 2, Policarpio 0, Nermal 0.
BLACKWATER 95 – King 40, Chua 13, Tungcab 8, Kwekuteye 8, David 8, Montalbo 8, Ilagan 5, Escoto 5, Guinto 0, Jopia 0, Ponferrada 0, Suerte 0, Hill.
QUARTERS : 22-17, 53-46, 81-69, 107-95
1st Q2ND Q3RD Q4TH Q
24:35
25:59
25:11
27:03