By REYNALD MAGALLON
The 2024 PBA All-Star game may have ended in stalemate, 140-all, but Team Barroca should feel a bit better than Team Japeth according to its late game hero and All-Star game co-MVP Robert Bolick.
While there was no winner in the thrilling contest, Bolick, who drained two crucial four pointers – including the five-point play that tied the count down in the waning seconds, pointed out that his team should be more happy with the result especially after Team Barroca trailed by as many as 32 points.
It was CJ Perez’s 39 points that kept Team Barroca afloat before Bolick took over in the final minute to force the tie.
“Mas masama ang pakiramdam nila kasi lamang sila sa amin parang nanalo kami eh 30 seconds lamang pa sila ng siyam ganun talaga bilog ang bola,” said Bolick who would have wanted and played in the extra period if there was one.
“Akala ko lalaruin ‘yung overtime. Mas maganda ‘yung may panalo. Pero All-Star ‘to e, at least maganda para sa akin, ako ‘yung nagpatabla,” he added.
Indeed, the end game should be a memorable one for Bolick considering how mighty he had struggled in the All-Star game ever since the four-point shot was introduced.
He was 0-of-8 last year in Passi City and drained his first four point shot inside the final minute this year when he kept Team Barroca within striking distance, 140-135.
Cliff Hodge completed a stop in the next possession and then located Bolick who drained another four-pointer while picking up a foul from Calvin Oftana.
He coolly sank the bonus free throw as Team Barroca held for one more stop to settle for the stalemate.
The NLEX star was just glad to deliver when it mattered the most.
“Ang sama ng laro ko kahit last year di rin ako nakashoot ngayon lang first time to biniyayaan lang siguro ng panginoon,” said Bolick.
“Feeling ko dahil dun (four-point shot) nakakasama ng laro kasi iniisip mo titira ka dun eh mag miss ka na isa dalawa wala na momentum dapat next time focus ka na lang sa malapit,” he added.
Bolick also lauded his teammates and coaches led by San Miguel Beer head coach Jorge Gallent for urging him to continue shooting despite his low percentage.
Mark, ‘Ge tira mo lang.’ Si Coach Jorge, siya rin nagsasabi, ‘Tumulong ka naman! Tumira ka naman diyan.’ Nagkataon lang,” said Bolick.
