Bolick fires 26 points in debut, leads Northporth in opening game win

ROOKIE Robert Bolick scored 26 points in a smashing debut in professional basketball to lead Northport to a 117-91 win against Blackwater in Season 44 of the Philippine Basketball Association on at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

After trailing by 26-38 in the middle of the second period, the Batang Pier took charge late in the second frame and seized the advantage at the halftime break , 55-48, before pulling away in the final two quarters.

The Batang Pier remained unstoppable as they established their biggest lead, 111-82, in the payoff period for their opening game victory.

“We are making our shots and we’re running. At the same time, we are executing,” said Northport coach Pido Jarencio, who also praised Bolick for taking over in the game. “Bolick is a winner and coachable. He is already made in the PBA.”

“I’m just lucky for having teammates with good personality. I’m hoping to sustain this performance although it is still a long way to go,” said Bolick, who shot 10-of-12 from the field, including a perfect 7-of-7 from the two-point area.

Paolo Taha notched his second career-best 21 points, including 10 in the third period, in addition to his six rebounds and three assists, while Sean Anthony posted 19 points, along with five rebounds and five assists.

Stanley Pringle had an all-around performance of 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and six steals.
Bradwyn Guinto and Moala Tautuaa contributed also 12 and 11 points, respectively, also for Northport.

“It is about time that everybody wakes up and help Stanley (Pringle),” added Jarencio.

Rookie Abu Tratter, the seventh overall pick in the recent rookie draft, made 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocks to lead the Elite.