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Jonnel Policarpio, Brandon Ramirez, and JB Bahio all play key roles as NLEX bucks the absence of Robert Bolick in pulling off a thrilling win over defending All-Filipino champion San Miguel
ANTIPOLO, Philippines – Rallying behind grieving star Robert Bolick, NLEX denied defending champion San Miguel a winning start in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Jonnel Policarpio, Brandon Ramirez, and JB Bahio all played key roles as the Road Warriors bucked the absence of Bolick in pulling off a thrilling 85-84 win over the Beermen at the Ynares Center on Wednesday, October 8.
Bolick missed the game, which came just a couple of days after his American father died.
Fortunately for NLEX, others rose to the occasion, with Ramirez and Policarpio churning out 16 points each and Bahio putting up a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
“We’re trying to dedicate this game to Berto’s father who passed away,” said Road Warriors coach Jong Uichico. “He was supposed to play today before leaving but we understand that he wants to be with his father for the last time.”
NLEX erased a double-digit deficit and grabbed a precarious 85-80 lead off a pair of Bahio free throws with under 20 seconds remaining before nearly seeing the win slip away.
A four-pointer by Don Trollano made it a one-point game and two missed foul shots by Bahio gave San Miguel a crack at the victory.
But Trollano, unaware of the time, passed up on a potential game-winning shot and threw the ball away as the buzzer sounded.
Without Bolick, Kevin Alas helped shoulder the scoring load with 13 points on top of 5 rebounds and 2 steals, while Richie Rodger added 9 points.
Newly crowned nine-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo starred for San Miguel with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists, but he was neutralized when it mattered most, scoring just 2 points in the fourth quarter.
Trollano finished with 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while Jericho Cruz chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds.
A member of the First Mythical Team together with Fajardo, CJ Perez saw action for just 4:20 minutes and tallied 2 points as he continues to recuperate from an ankle injury.
The Scores
NLEX 85 – Policarpio 16, Ramirez 16, Alas 13, Bahio 12, Rodger 9, Valdez 6, Amer 5, Semerad 4, Nieto 2, Torres 2, Fajardo 0, Herndon 0.
San Miguel 84 – Fajardo 18, Trollano 17, Cruz 12, Lassiter 8, Tiongson 7, Brondial 7, Tautuaa 6, Cahilig 5, Teng 2, Perez 2, Ross 0, Miller 0.
Quarters: 22-25, 32-42, 66-67, 85-84.
– Rappler.com
