WATCH: Paul Lee Highlights [Team Japeth vs Team Mark | Mar. 24, 2024]
Robert Bolick’s incredible performance in the 2024 PBA All-Star Game left fans on the edge of their seats at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum on Sunday. With just 17.8 seconds left on the clock, Bolick made a game-changing five-point play, tying the score at 140-140 for Team Mark against Team Japeth.
The NLEX guard was fouled after sinking a four-pointer, and he coolly converted the free throw, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Despite Calvin Oftana missing a crucial lay-up in the final seconds, the match ended in a thrilling draw.
Bolick’s stellar performance earned him co-All-Star MVP honors alongside Japeth Aguilar. The draw felt like a victory for Team Mark, who staged an impressive comeback from being down by 32 points early in the game. Team Japeth had started strong with a barrage of four-pointers but couldn’t hold off Bolick and his teammates.
This nail-biting draw marked the third time in PBA All-Star Game history that the contest ended without a winner. Notable instances include the PBA All-Stars versus Gilas Pilipinas showdown in 2013 and the Mindanao All-Stars versus Gilas Pilipinas in 2017.
Mark Barroca’s team was trailing by 11 points when he made crucial baskets, setting the stage for Bolick’s heroics. Bolick’s four-point shot cut the deficit to 140-135 before his game-winning free throw sealed the deal with a total of 13 points.
CJ Perez was instrumental in Team Mark’s comeback, scoring 28 of his 39 points in the second quarter. Barroca, Calvin Abueva, and June Mar Fajardo also made significant contributions with 20, 18, and 17 points, respectively.
On the opposing side, Roger Pogoy and Marcio Lassiter dazzled with 25 and 24 points each, showcasing their long-range shooting skills in the first half. Both teams even impressed in the dance-off, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already memorable All-Star Game.