Robert Bolick’s Heroics in the 2024 PBA All-Star Game
Shaking off his early struggles, Robert Bolick hits one of the biggest shots in PBA All-Star Game history for a rousing end to the midseason spectacle that returned to Bacolod for the first time since 2008.
Bolick’s Clutch Performance
You can never really count Robert Bolick out when it comes to winning plays. Shaking off his early struggles, Bolick hit one of the biggest shots in PBA All-Star Game history to help Team Mark force a 140-140 tie with Team Japeth at the jam-packed University of St. La Salle gym here on Sunday, March 24. Bolick completed a five-point play with under 20 seconds left as Team Mark came back from a 32-point hole to salvage a draw for a rousing end to the All-Star Weekend that returned to the City of Smiles for the first time since 2008.
Bolick’s Redemption
The leading scorer in the Philippine Cup, the NLEX guard fired blanks throughout the first three periods, tallying just 3 points going into the final quarter and passing up on shots he normally makes in the PBA out of frustration. But Bolick caught fire when Team Mark needed him the most, scattering 10 points in the fourth frame, including the last 9 points as he cashed in on back-to-back four-point buckets and the game-tying free throw.
All-Star Game Highlights
Just like the All-Star Game last year, the PBA implemented a four-point line and rewarded slam dunks with 3 points. That gimmick worked in favor of Bolick, who let it fly from near the half-court line, fished a foul off Calvin Oftana, then calmly sank the bonus shot, much to the delight of the Bacolodnons who came to watch a competitive game. Bolick finished with 13 points as he emerged the surprise All-Star Game MVP, sharing the honors with Japeth Aguilar, who netted 21 points.
Game Conclusion
Although there was no extension this time around, it did not take away the beauty of the game, with both teams consciously playing defense and putting in an effort to win. In fact, the five-point play would not have happened if not for a stellar defensive job by first-time All-Star Cliff Hodge, who stole a pass from Roger Pogoy and assisted Bolick. CJ Perez led all scorers with 39 points as he brought Team Mark back into the game after Team Japeth mounted a 46-20 first-quarter lead behind 7 four-pointers courtesy of Paul Lee, Jamie Malonzo, and Roger Pogoy.
- Perez sank 6 four-pointers in the second frame alone and finished the period with 28 points, the all-time most points in a quarter since the All-Star Game was institutionalized in 1989.
