PBA: Meralco weathers Bolick's 48-point explosion, moves on cusp of semis

Meralco overcame the hot hands of Robert Bolick to deny NLEX, 97-93, in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals affair in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts shrugged off a slow start before Allen Maliksi took over with 22 points off the bench, alongside four rebounds and an assist as they moved on the verge of a semifinals appearance. 

Meralco trailed for most of the first half, but regrouped just in time to spoil a career-high 48-point detonation from Bolick, who also grabbed four rebounds and five assists in the loss. 

Bolick, who already had 20 points in the first quarter alone, buried a huge triple before nailing a hard layup to give NLEX a slim 93-92 lead with 1:05 left in the game. 

Robert Bolick.

20 in the first quarter alone.

Now has 48 points with 1:05 left.

NLEX 93-92 Meralco@gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/ayHYFvVhc3

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 10, 2024

The Road Warriors, however, failed to convert any more field goals after that as Maliksi steadily sank four straight free throws that proved to be the dagger the Bolts needed to close out NLEX. 

Bolick would still attempt for a last-gasp three-pointer from the logo, but he missed out as well. 

Maliksi got more than enough help with Raymond Almazan tallying 15 points, six rebounds, and one block while Anjo Caram churned out 14 markers, including three triples in the second half. 

Chris Newsome and Chris Banchero each chipped in 12 points. 

Aside from Bolick, only Michael Miranda finished in double digits for NLEX after pouring in 14 points. 

Meralco will look to finish off the series on Sunday when they collide for Game 2 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 6:15 p.m.

Scores:

Meralco 97 – Maliksi 22, Almazan 15, Caram 14, Newsome 12, Banchero 12, Quinto 11, Bates 4, Torres 3, Hodge 2, Pasaol 2, Dario 0.

NLEX 93 – Bolick 48, Miranda 14, Rodger 6, Herndon 6, Nieto 5, Semerad 5, Fajardo 4, Marcelo 2, Valdez 2, Amer 1, Anthony 0.

Quarters: 23-28, 44-54, 73-75, 97-93.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News