Robert Bolick Named PBA Player of the Week for Historic 40-10 Performance
Robert Bolick has been named the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week after leading NLEX to a crucial victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals race. Bolick delivered an exceptional performance, posting 40 points and 10 assists in the Road Warriors’ 122-110 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, becoming the first local player in 41 years to achieve a 40-10 statline.
The feat is rare in PBA history, last accomplished by the legendary Ramon Fernandez, who recorded 44 points and 15 assists for Beer Hausen in a 1984 game against Northern Consolidated during the Second All-Filipino Conference. Fernandez also grabbed 17 rebounds in that game, which ended in a 122-117 overtime victory, contributing to his second of four MVP awards.
Bolick, while honored by the historical comparison, expressed greater satisfaction in helping NLEX stay alive in the playoff hunt. “Wala nang bukas e,” said Bolick. “Meron pa kaming opportunity, may hope pa na makapasok kami. Minsan-minsan lang mangyari ‘to kaya gusto namin i-grab yung opportunity.”
With this win, NLEX improved to a 5-6 record, tying with Magnolia for the eighth spot, and a half-game ahead of San Miguel Beer (5-7). The Road Warriors’ upcoming game against guest team Eastern at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday is crucial, as a victory will secure at least a playoff spot for the eighth seed in the quarterfinals.
Bolick, who earned the Player of the Week honors for the period from January 21 to 26, was selected over NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino, Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero, and Jerom Lastimosa. Tolentino led NorthPort to two wins, while Lucero and Lastimosa played key roles in Magnolia’s 107-78 victory over Eastern.
This historic performance solidifies Robert Bolick’s standing as one of the league’s top players and a pivotal figure in NLEX’s playoff aspirations.
