As NLEX Road Warriors gear up for a crucial matchup against Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots this Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup, all eyes are on their star guard Robert Bolick — and for good reason. With his impending departure to join the national squad for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, Bolick is determined to deliver one final strong showing for NLEX.
A win over Magnolia would give NLEX a 7–2 record — putting them in a tie for first place with teams like Converge FiberXers and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters — and build momentum ahead of their upcoming tough games versus TNT Tropang Giga and Converge.
Bolick currently leads NLEX in scoring — averaging 17.17 points per game — and tops the entire league in assists, with 9.5 assists per game. His performance will once again be critical as the Road Warriors try to chase down the top seed before his temporary exit.
NLEX head coach Jong Uichico acknowledged the challenge ahead, admitting that facing Magnolia, TNT, and Converge in successive games would be tough. “We have three heavy games coming up,” he said. “But first things first — the Magnolia game.”
Magnolia, meanwhile, is expected to come out strong — eager to bounce back after a recent loss to Converge that dropped them to 5–3. Their coaching staff has reportedly used a brief break to rework their strategy on both ends of the floor.
For Bolick, Sunday’s game isn’t just another regular-season contest. It’s a chance to help cement NLEX’s standings and make a statement before he moves on to represent the country in the SEA Games — making the Road Warriors’ upcoming performance one to watch.
