NLEX Road Warriors’ Robert Bolick against Barangay Ginebra during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—There’s no denying that Ginebra’s fan base can be raucous, and NLEX guard Robert Bolick is no stranger to that.
The Ninoy Aquino Stadium was a bit more crowded than usual on Wednesday night, with the Gin Kings headlining the PBA Philippine Cup doubleheader.
READ: PBA: NLEX thwarts Ginebra comeback to push streak
Across the crowd favorites stood the Road Warriors—who, to some surprise, had a few vocal supporters of their own.
It wasn’t much compared to the sea of Ginebra faithful, but it was enough to help push Bolick and company to a nail-biting 89-86 win.
NLEX star Robert Bolick and coach Jong Uichico after squeaking past Ginebra. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/yRf9C9B8K5
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 7, 2025
“When Ginebra scores a bucket or two, the place gets really loud. Sometimes, it rattles us—especially the new guys,” said Bolick in Filipino after helping NLEX claim its fourth straight win.
“The good thing is our wives and fans were there. We really felt their support. They kept us going.”
READ: PBA: Xyrus Torres learning to deal with pressure as key cog for NLEX
After leading by as much as 17, NLEX fumbled its lead in the fourth quarter after a huge scoring surge by the Gin Kings.
Still, the Road Warriors kept their composure to improve to 4-1 despite Stephen Holt’s 21-piece for Ginebra.
NLEX Road Warriors’ Robert Bolick against Barangay Ginebra defenders during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
Bolick finished with an all-around game of 28 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a block for good measure to avoid NLEX’s collapse in the payoff period.
Holt, Scottie Thompson and the others were responsible for the Ginebra rally in the fourth—buoyed by the roar of the predominantly Ginebra crowd.
But for NLEX coach Jong Uichico, the late-game surge didn’t come as a surprise.
“For sure, they were capable of coming back. When coach Tim [Cone] subbed out the starters, I knew it was only a matter of time before he brought them back for one final push, and that’s exactly what happened,” said the veteran tactician.
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“It’s good we weathered the storm. We stayed together and stuck to the game plan.”
NLEX looks to keep its momentum and crowd energy going when it faces Terrafirma next Wednesday, still at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
