Bolick, Policarpio take charge as NLEX weathers Phoenix to arrest five-game slump

Robert Bolick regained his form while Jonnel Policarpio stepped up as NLEX pulled off a 108-94 win over Phoenix to break out of slump in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Bolick, who was limited to just four points last game against TNT due to sickness, posted a team-high 26 points together with nine assists and five rebounds, while Policarpio finished with all-important 17 markers, nine boards, and one dime to make up for the absence of Kevin Alas. 

With the win, the Road Warriors arrested a five-game slide and improved to 4-6 to revive their playoff hopes while the Fuel Masters dropped to 3-7. 

NLEX broke a 69-all deadlock in the third period after Policarpio and import Mike Watkins converted three straight three-point plays to make it an 80-69 lead. 

Xyrus Torres then buried a four-point shot to beat the buzzer and carried the Road Warriors to an 86-73 cushion before the fourth. 

Robert Herndon, who was waxing hot from downtown all game long, knocked down his fifth triple to send them to a 90-73 lead to open the final frame. 

Although Phoenix tried to rally back behind Ricci Rivero, NLEX had every answer, with Bolick nailing a tough three-pointer over Tyler Tio with 3:09 to go before his jumper made it more difficult for Phoenix to overcome. 

Watkins posted 22 points, 18 rebounds, and one steal as Herndon finished with 15 markers on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. 

Donovan Smith paced Phoenix with 36 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks while Rivero tallied 13 markers, two boards, two dimes, and one steal as they moved on the verge of bowing out of contention. 

Scores:

NLEX 108 – Bolick 26, Watkins 22, Policarpio 17, Herndon 15, Semerad 11, Torres 9, Ramirez 5, Nieto 3, Mocon 0.

Phoenix 94 – Smith 36, Rivero 13, Muyang 8, Perkins 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.

Quarters:  25-17, 45-48, 86-73, 108-94.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News