MICHAEL Watkins continued to be a tremendous force underneath the basket, while Robert Bolick waxed even hotter after a 32-point game the last time.
Together, Watkins and Bolick fueled NLEX’s comeback from 19 points down to a surprising 104-99 win over titleholder San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
Bolick was on fire, torching the Beermen with 39 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter, while Watkins produced 17 points, 28 rebounds, and four blocks as the Road Warriors rolled to their third straight win, foiling the Beermen’s bid for a follow-up to a triumphant conference start.
June Mar Fajardo and his teammates looked headed to a second straight win with a 65-46 lead, but the Road Warriors managed to make a big turnaround and salvaged win No. 3 following earlier victories over Blackwater, 107-95, and Terrafirma, 104-85.
After scoring 10 in the first half then adding nine in the third, Bolick exploded in the fourth with two treys and a four pointer as NLEX seized control at 100-94 in the last 1:21 mark.
Aside from scoring, Bolick also excelled in playmaking, issuing nine assists, including a crucial one from a steal off Fajardo. He hurled a fastbreak to Watkins for a breakaway jam that gave the Road Warriors the six-point upperhand.
Anthony Semerad, Xyrus Dane Torres, and Enoch Valdez had double-digit contributions with 12, 11, and 10, respectively.
With his athleticism, Watkins more than held his ground against Quincy Miller and Fajardo, who led the Beermen with 21 and 20 points, respectively.
Watkins’ 28 boards nearly matched the combined 30 rebounds of the SMB frontline duo.
The Beermen controlled the first three quarters and maintained the pace until Bolick’s back-to-back three-pointers tied the count at 87.
Riding Bolick’s exploits, the Road Warriors completed the comeback and stayed right behind unbeaten leaders the NorthPort Batang Pier (4-0) and the Meralco Bolts (2-0).
In the opening game, the NorthPort Batang Pier claimed the scalp of TNT, 100-95, to storm to their franchise-best start of 4-0.
The Scores:
NORTHPORT 100 -Jack 27, Munzon 20, Tolentino 17, Navarro 12, Nelle 8, Yu 6, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 3, Bulanadi 3, Flores 0, Miranda 0.
TNT 95 - Oftana 20, Hollis-Jefferson 19, Pogoy 17, Khobuntin 14, Galinato 10, Nambatac 9, Aurin 4, Razon 2, Heruela 0, Exciminiano 0, Ebona 0.
Quarters: 26-22, 45-52, 72-73, 100-95.
NLEX 104 - Bolick 39, Watkins 17, Semerad 12, Torres 11, Valdez 10, Rodger 8, Alas 4, Herndon 3, Marcelo 0, Bahio 0.
SAN MIGUEL 99 - Miller 21, Fajardo 20, Perez 14, Tiongson 11, Tautuaa 11, Trollano 10, Lassiter 6, Brondial 2, Cahilig 2, Rosales 2, Cruz 0, Ross 0, Enciso 0.
Quarters: 17-21, 40-53, 71-75, 104-99. / PBA