The NLEX Road Warriors showed grit and composure in crunch time as they pulled off a hard-earned 89-86 victory over the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. With the win, NLEX extended their winning streak to four games and improved their record to 4-1, while Ginebra dropped to an even 2-2.
Bolick’s Heroics Lift NLEX
Despite nursing a painful quadriceps bruise, Robert Bolick played a heroic role, finishing with a game-high 28 points, including clutch baskets in the dying minutes. He also contributed seven rebounds, four assists, and one block, going a perfect 3-of-3 from long range.
Coach Jong Uichico praised his star guard for stepping up in the biggest moments:
“Berto was there to carry us through. He really stepped up.”
Bolick, in turn, credited the team’s collective effort and defensive mindset:
“Nakaka-proud yung team namin, ang liliit namin, pero nagtulungan kami. Ang ganda ng depensa namin.”
Torres, Ramirez Provide Key Support
Xyrus Torres also played a pivotal role, drilling the go-ahead three-pointer that gave NLEX the lead at 87-86 with under a minute remaining. He tallied 11 points, the same output as Brandon Ramirez, who unfortunately exited the game after suffering a suspected dislocated jaw from an inadvertent swing by Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo.
Veteran guard Kevin Alas added 10 points to round out NLEX’s four double-digit scorers.
Ginebra’s Furious Comeback Falls Short
After trailing by as many as 17 points, Ginebra came roaring back behind an explosive fourth-quarter performance by Stephen Holt, who scored 18 of his 21 points in the final period. His outburst helped the Kings seize an 84-81 lead late in the game.
Scottie Thompson also had a strong showing with 20 points, combining with Holt to account for 27 of Ginebra’s 33 fourth-quarter points. Malonzo added 11, but missed a critical three-point attempt that could have changed the outcome.
In the final possession, Thompson had a chance to force overtime or win it outright, but his shot missed the mark, allowing NLEX to escape with the win.
Defense and Discipline Key for NLEX
Coach Uichico emphasized the importance of NLEX’s defensive effort, holding the high-powered Ginebra offense to just 86 points. Their ability to contain Ginebra’s secondary scorers proved crucial, especially as Holt and Thompson tried to rally their team in the closing moments.
With the win, NLEX continues to position itself as a serious contender in the Philippine Cup, building momentum and chemistry under the leadership of Uichico and the brilliance of Bolick.
Meanwhile, Ginebra will look to regroup and find consistency after suffering their second loss of the conference, despite showing flashes of dominance in their comeback bid.