Frankie Lim-less NLEX halts streaking Blackwater for solo lead

PBA

Robert Bolick and Jhan Nermal took turns leading the charge as NLEX survived the red-hot Blackwater in the absence of head coach Frankie Lim, 103-97, to take the solo top spot in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

With assistant coach Jong Uichico calling the shots, veteran guard Bolick and rookie Nermal powered a strong 13-7 closing run as the Road Warriors extended their streak to three and improved to 4-1 while dealing the Bossing their first loss in four games.

Jaydee Tungacb buried his second triple in the fourth quarter to give Blackwater a 91-90 lead before Nermal sank two free throws, followed by a Richie Roger floater and Anthony Semerad three-pointer that allowed NLEX to build a 97-92 cushion. 

Bolick then sent NLEX to a 100-94 lead after knocking down a long bomb in an isolation play against Bradwyn Guinto. Rey Suerte, though, answered with a triple of his own to cut the deficit to just three in the final 43 seconds. 

The former San Beda star issued the dagger after throwing down another three-pointer en route to their fourth straight victory.

Bolick flirted with a triple-double as he finished with 21 points built on four triples alongside nine rebounds, nine assists, and two steals while Nermal shone off the bench with 16 markers and seven boards. 

Dominic Fajardo, who was also crucial in their fourth quarter run, chipped in 14 points while Robert Herndon and Baser Amer put together 14 and 12 apiece. 

Five Blackwater players reached double-digit scoring with Suerte tallying 21 points while Troy Rosario and Rey Nambatac each poured in 16 markers, but their efforts were not enough this time around. 

Scores:

NLEX 103 – Bolick 21, Nermal 16, Herndon 14, Fajardo 14, Amer 12, Semerad 11, Rodger 9, Marcelo 4, Valdez 2, Miranda 0, Pascual 0.

Blackwater 97 – Suerte 21, Rosario 16, Nambatac 16, Tungcab 15, Guinto 12, Ilagan 8, David 4, Yap 3, Escoto 2, Sena 0, Hill 0, Kwekuteye 0, Jopia 0.

Quarters: 22-26, 50-51, 71-72, 103-97.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News