Despite offensive struggles, Robert Bolick earns praise for playmaking ability

Robert Bolick is proving that he’s more than just a one dimensional player.

The misfiring NorthPort star may have struggled to find the bottom of the net in the past two games but he’s making sure to contribute in the other facets of the game.

Arvin Tolentino, who delivered the key baskets down the stretch, still credited the heady guard for setting him up and the rest of the Batang Pier during a searing 16-5 run which turned the tides to their favor en route to a 87-83 victory over Blackwater but

“We’re playing with Robert kilala naman natin si Robert sobrang galing na player. Pinapadali niya talaga yung offense namin. Siya talaga yung main guy namin so sa sobrang galing ni Bolick, nattract niya yung defense lahat so kami talagang ready lang kapag naopen kailangan mashoot,” said Tolentino.

Bolick only finished with 12 points on a measly 5-of-15 shooting from the field including a poor 1-of-6 clip from beyond the arc but finished with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Most of his passes found Tolentino and import Prince Ibeh making the Blackwater defense pay after doubling him to as far as the three-point line.

As a result, Tolentino dropped 10 of his 15 points in the final frame while Ibeh had his best scoring output in the conference with 19 points including a huge two-handed jam off a pick-and-roll play with Bolick that allowed NorthPort to stay within striking distance in late in the payoff period.

With their main gun struggling, the Batang Pier knew it was upon them to deliver and make sure to take advantage of the defense Bolick is attracting.

“Syempre hindi rin naman pwedeng umasa lang kami kay Robert kailangan namin ng ball movement, player movement setting the screens talking to each other yun yung naging key namin sa laro lalo na nung second half.”