Robert Bolick hits new PBA career-high 44 as NorthPort escapes Meralco in OT thriller

Robert Bolick erupted for his first 40-point game in the pros. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Robert Bolick tallied his second straight career game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, but this time NorthPort walked away victorious after edging Meralco in overtime, 101-95, on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Almost a week after his 33-point bomb was totally overshadowed by Myles Powell's game-winner, Bolick dropped 44 on the Bolts, and this time, he made sure that the Batang Pier will prevail as he took over at the start of the overtime period.

Bolick scored the first five points of the extension, which sparked a 7-1 run to put NorthPort ahead, 96-90, with 1:44 left.

Bong Quinto kept Meralco alive with a quick three-pointer off a timeout, but Arwind Santos virtually shut the door on them with his response from the outside in the next play.

Bolick also had six rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in almost 50 and a half minutes for NorthPort, which moved up to 2-1 in the standings.

Arwind Santos added 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block, while Prince Ibeh came close to a rare 10-block triple-double with 12 markers, 11 boards, and eight swats with two dimes and one snatch.

Arvin Tolentino also made 12 points with six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks.

Johnny O'Bryant had an impressive stat line of 30 points, 22 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal to lead Meralco.

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