NLEX's Robert Bolick in action against Blackwater on May 2, 2025. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – NLEX remained hot in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, collecting three wins in a row by fending off Blackwater, 80-72, on Friday at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal.

Only a one-point, 54-53 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Road Warriors managed to strengthen their cushion over Blackwater as separate scoring conversions from Matt Nieto, Jonnel Policarpio, Dominick Fajardo, and Anthony Semerad allowed them to take a 62-53 lead on eight unanswered points.

Blackwater still tried to come back midway through the fourth frame, but Robert Bolick silenced them with two consecutive treys late, and Kevin Alas made one basket for a 76-68 separation with less than two minutes left.

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Xyrus Torres and Bolick then made their foul line attempts in the dying moments for a two-possession lead, 80-72, that turned out to be the final score.

Bolick, as expected, took charge for NLEX, firing 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to go with a steal.

JB Bahio (12 points), Alas (10 points), Dominick Fajardo (10 points), and Semerad (nine points) all had valuable scoring contributions, completing the supporting cast for NLEX.

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Blackwater played without Sedrick Barefield, who reportedly suffered an injury. BJ Andrade had 15 points for the Bossing side, while RK Ilagan added 14 points on 8-of-8 free throw shooting.

NLEX has a tough challenge next in Ginebra, set for Wednesday, May 7, while Blackwater targets to vent ire on Rain or Shine on the same game date.

The Scores:

NLEX 80 – Bolick 20, Bahio 12, Fajardo 10, Alas 10, Semerad 9, Nieto 5, Torres 5, Ramirez 4, Policarpio 3, Mocon 2, Rodger 0, Herndon 0

BLACKWATER 72 – Andrade 15, Ilagan 14, Guinto 13, Ayonayon 9, Casio 5, Chua 5, Escoto 5, Mallilin 4, Tratter 2, Mitchell 0, Caperal 0, David 0

QUARTERS: 10-17, 36-28, 52-50, 80-72