PBA: Bolick delivers late dagger as NLEX holds off Blackwater

Robert Bolick drained a clutch triple to lift NLEX to an 84-81 win over Blackwater in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Road Warriors were ahead 81-75 with just over three minutes left before Blackwater threatened behind Daniel Ochefu’s split free throws and a Sedrick Barefield basket to trim the deficit to two, 81-79, with 1:09 remaining.

Bolick missed on an earlier attempt but quickly redeemed himself, burying a dagger three that gave NLEX a five-point cushion in the closing seconds.

Ochefu answered with a jumper with 33 seconds left, and NLEX later committed a shot-clock turnover to give Blackwater one last chance. Christian David, however, missed a potential game-tying triple, allowing the Road Warriors to escape with the victory.

Bolick finished with 24 points, seven assists, four steals, and three rebounds to lead NLEX. Import Cady Lalanne added 22 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks, an assist, and a steal, while Schonny Winston chipped in 10 points.

Sedrick Barefield paced Blackwater with 18 points, while import Ochefu posted 16 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks, three assists, and a steal. David added 12 points in the loss.

Scores:

NLEX 84 : Bolick 24, Lalanne 22, Winston 10, Alas 7, Bahio 6, Torres 6, Semerad 3, Gonzales 3, Fajardo 2, Herndon 1, Onwubere 0, Racal 0, Ramirez 0.

Blackwater 81 : Barefield 18, Ochefu 16, David 12, Panopio 7, Tratter 7, Mallilin 6, Murrell 6, Andrade 5, Una 2, Ilagan 2, Mendoza 0, Jopia 0.

Quarters: 15-25, 34-41, 60-61, 84-81.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News