![Robert Bolick NLEX PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/03/PBA-Images6-25.jpg)
Robert Bolick leads NLEX in the PBA Philippine Cup opener against his former team, North Port. –PBA images
Robert Bolick got off to a strong start Friday by leading NLEX to a 107-100 overtime victory over his former team North Port in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Borick finished with 31 points, scoring 30 or more points in his sixth career game as the Road Warriors won despite needing five more minutes to take Batanes Pier.
This was Borick's first game against Northport, the team he played for from his rookie year in 2019 until the end of last season, when he came to Japan for coffee with the Fukushima Firebonds in the second division of the B League.
Schedule: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
NLEX acquired Borick last December after finalizing a deal to acquire the rights to Borick.
Borick cooled down in extra time, but remained competitive throughout with key goals from Tony Semerad and Dave Marcello to put the Northport team away.
Robert Bolick thanked his former teammates and coaches after leading NLEX to a 107-100 overtime victory over North Port in the PBA Philippine Cup. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/x83HWJ3gUG
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 1, 2024
Rookie Enoch Valdez added 16 points for the Road Warriors, and Semerad and Sean Anthony, who fouled out in the fourth, each scored 15 points.
read: Boric begins new PBA tour as new NLEX team leader
Irvin Tolentino scored 29 points, including a basket that tied the score at 98-all with 7.1 seconds left, ultimately sending the game into overtime.
Rookie Xavier Lucero finally made his PBA debut after recovering from an ACL injury sustained while playing for the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 85 Finals, recording 13 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks.
William Navarro returned from a similar injury sustained in the 2022 Commissioner's Cup and had 12 points and 13 rebounds for a losing North Port team.
PBA score:
NLEX 107—Boric 31, Valdes 16, Anthony 15, Semerado 15, Pascual 9, Ural 6, Nieto 5, Marcelo 4, Miranda 3, Amel 2, Nermal 0.
Northport 100—Trentino 29, Bulanadi 19, Lucero 13, Navarro 12, Munzon 8, Zamar 6, Calma 4, Flores 4, Rosales 2, Zhang 2, Paraiso 1, Kuntapay 0, Yu 0.
Quarters: 29-25, 55-50, 74-72, 98-98 (regulation), 107-100 (OT).