Surprise team Blackwater Bossing take on the NLEX Road Warriors, who’s also gaining steam behind their marquee newcomer, Robert Bolick.

Catch the game on Wednesday, March 13th, at 4:30 PM.

NLEX Road Warriors (3-1)

Projected starting five:

  • Robert Bolick
  • Enoch Valdez
  • Sean Anthony
  • Anthony Paul Semerad
  • Michael Miranda

The Road Warriors are winners of back-to-back games. They narrowly beat the Meralco Bolts this past Wednesday, 99-96, and followed it up with a cruising, 115-93 victory over the Converge FiberXers on Saturday. The latter win was especially notable as it featured their main man, Robert Bolick, dropping a PBA conference-high 46 points on 17-of-26 shooting (5/12 threes), alongside eight assists, and only one turnover.

Bolick is on fire in the Philippine Cup as he is pacing everyone at 32.5 points per game across four contests. He is also sharing the wealth by dishing out 6.2 assists. It should be fun to see him try to continue the show opposite a likewise surging opponent.

Hopefully, though, the six-year veteran can get some more offense from his teammates – regardless if he catches fire yet again. Outside of Bolick, there are only two NLEX players who are currently averaging in double figures, and they’re barely reaching it – Sean Anthony at 11.5 PPG and Enoch Valdez at 10.5 PPG.

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Blackwater Bossing (3-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Rey Suerte
  • Rey Nambatac
  • Christian David
  • Troy Rosario
  • Tyrus Hill

Though somewhat lacking in offense, Blackwater is making up for it with great defense, averaging 91 PPG and only allowing 82.3 points in return. Also, two of their three opponents shot below 40% from the floor.

Blackwater is exuding a style that mixes an unselfish approach, relentlessness for the ball, and good ‘ol blue-collar play, and it’s led by the hardworking foursome of Troy Rosario (15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG), Rey Nambatac (11.3 PPG, 6.3 APG), and Christian David (12.3 PPG). It’s a good overall makeup for an underdog that has long been a bottom-feeder in the league.

Then, there’s also the contributions of pesky guards Rey Suerte (9.3 PPG) and RK Ilagan (9.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.3 SPG), and the veteran presence of all-timer James Yap, which collectively adds life to the squad.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: Blackwater (+1.5) wins.

Over/Under: The total goes under 188.

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