For Robert Bolick, it's Northport Batang Pier all over again.
Months after returning from a "stint" in the Japan B. League, Bolick again, is doing his super scoring with so much fanfare and without the much-needed team support.
Against the Meralco Bolts, Bolick led all scorers with 48 points, including six triples and 18-of-19 from the charity stripe. With that said, Michael Miranda is the only other Road Warrior in double figures, with Richie Rodger going 2-of-10 in almost 32 minutes, and Anthony Semerad going 2-of-6 in 35 minutes.
Meanwhile, Meralco got the win despite missing the services of Aaron Black. Allein Maliksi scored 22 points to lead five other players in double digits. Anjo Caram, practically the TJ McConnell of the PBA, had 14 points in 26 minutes.
NLEX lost Kiefer Ravena to Japan, Kevin Alas to injury, and Don Trollano to San Miguel. They have a couple of good rookies in Rodger, Enoch Valdez, Dominick Fajardo, and Jhan Nermal. However, other than Bolick, most of their acquisitions are so-so. I know Ato Ular's great rookie season hasn't translated in his sophomore year, but they still need to get something from him, especially since he is one of the reasons why they lost Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser to TNT.
NLEX lived and died with Bolick's hot hands while Chris Banchero, Maliksi, and Bong Quinto took turns to launch dagger after dagger with Chris Newsome acting as chief orchestrator and decoy.
Maybe Bolick would hit 52 points in Game 2?
The Road Warriors will find it difficult to win if they solely rely on Bolick.
Anyway, here's the match.