Now Reading: Bolick lifts NLEX past Blackwater; Phoenix edges Magnolia in PBA Commissioner’s Cup
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Bolick lifts NLEX past Blackwater; Phoenix edges Magnolia in PBA Commissioner’s Cup
Bolick lifts NLEX past Blackwater; Phoenix edges Magnolia in PBA Commissioner’s Cup
Robert Bolick sparked a late rally to lift the NLEX Road Warriors past Blackwater, while the Phoenix Fuel Masters held Magnolia Hotshots in the waning moments as both teams carved out rousing starts in their respective opening matches in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, March 13.
Bolick powered the Road Warriors to an 84–81 comeback win over the Bossing after erasing a 69–75 deficit in the fourth quarter.
The star guard finished with 24 points and seven assists, leading a decisive 16-point surge in the final period to turn the game around.
PBA debutant Cady Lalanne also impressed with 22 points and 16 rebounds to support Bolick’s effort.
Clinging to a slim 81–79 lead, Bolick knocked down a crucial 3-pointer with 37 seconds remaining to give NLEX breathing room.
Blackwater had a chance to force overtime, but Christian David’s desperation attempt with 1.2 seconds left fell short.
Sedrick Barefield led the Bossing with 18 points, while Daniel Ochefu added 16 and David finished with 12.
NLEX will aim to hold on to its winning momentum against Nuni Omot and Magnolia at the Ynares Center II, Montalban, on March 15, while Blackwater looks to regain its footing over Terrafirma at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on March 18.
Phoenix survives Magnolia rally
Earlier, the Phoenix Fuel Masters cranked up the heat down the stretch to foil a Magnolia Hotshots resurgence, 101–98, and grace themselves with an opener triumph.
The Fuel Masters axed a torrid 11–2 Hotshots run deep in the fourth quarter as Jason Perkins sizzled with crucial free throws, 98–96, where Evan Nelle cashed in a two-point basket in the last 17 seconds to cement the lead.
The Phoenix roster displayed composure as James Dickey led with 20 points, while Perkins nailed in 19 markers.
Hitting two birds with one stone, the win also marks a perfect start to Charles Tiu’s coaching debut in the PBA, where he accepted the role last January 2026.
On the other hand, Sudanese-American import Anunwa Omot’s game-high 27-point explosion was all for naught, alongside Zav Lucero’s 19 baskets, as Magnolia failed to convert timely passes.
Phoenix looks to sustain its form against Titan Ultra, while Magnolia is eager for a comeback in their match against NLEX, both on Sunday at the Ynares Center.
With reports from ABS-CBN
