ANTIPOLO – Looking dead in the water, NLEX on Sunday night came back from a double-digit deficit to stun San Miguel, 104-99, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Robert Bolick Jr. scored 20 of his 39 points in the final period to help the Road Warriors upend the Beermen and rise to 3-1 after losing their conference opening match against early leader NorthPort.
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“What would I do without you?” head coach Jong Uichico told his ace just as the pair approached the podium for the post-game presser at Ynares Center here.
READ: PBA: Robert Bolick, Watkins fuel NLEX past Terrafirma
“It’s a convenience to play Berto because it makes your offense easier. He makes decisions, he makes big shots. He’s a luxury. I’m lucky to have Robert as my lead point guard. And Mike (Watkins) of course, he gave us 17 points and 28 rebounds–a presence in the paint. That’s what Mike gives us,” the champion coach added.
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Tony Semerad chipped in 12 more in the effort and was key in the spirited fightback against a traditional powerhouse who just gained two more new weapons ahead of the conference.
Import Quincy Miller had 21 points and 11 rebounds while June Mar Fajardo pumped in 20 and 19. CJ Perez added 13 while Juami Tiongson 11 in the losing effort that pushed San Miguel to a 1-1 win-loss mark.
READ: Robert Bolick focused on NLEX title bid, not four-pointer
NLEX will try to ride the momentum of the upset when it takes on debuting Barangay Ginebra on Dec. 11 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The Beermen, meanwhile, hope to get back on the winning track against Rain or Shine on Tuesday.