The Meralco Bolts bounced back from their stinging defeat to Blackwater last Sunday, escaping Columbian, 101-92, for their first win in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Friday evening at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts got the upper hand right from the get-go, and even led by as much as 17 in the third. But they had to fend off the Dyip in the final frame before securing the win, as the latter closed within four, 81-85, with 6:45 to go.
“We had a chance to win (versus Blackwater) in regulation but we couldn’t make the shot. But today we played a lot better offensively and defensively,” said head coach Norman Black. “Everybody doing their part really helped us.”
Import Gani Lawal powered the Orangemen with 25 points, 27 rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Baser Amer led Meralco’s locals with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Rookie Trevis Jackson, who started for the second straight time, impressed with 17 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals as well.
Chris Newsome had 12 points, seven boards, and four dimes. Cliff Hodge added 10 markers and six boards in the win that improved Meralco to 1-1.
“Our locals played very well today, particularly our guards in Baser Amer and Trevis Jackson,” the decorated bench strategist lauded. “So, good team victory for us today. It’s something that we can build off on.”
Import Kyle Barone had 26 points and 16 rebounds to lead Columbian, who have now fallen to 0-2.
CJ Perez led the Dyip’s local crew with 22 points, while Rashawn McCarthy provided 13 points and seven assists. Frontcourters Jackson Corpuz and Andreas Cahilig chimed in 11 markers apiece and combined for 11 rebounds.
Both teams will see action again this Sunday, May 26, still at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Columbian will start things off at 4:30 PM versus Blackwater. Meralco will face rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at 6:45 PM.
The Scores:
Meralco 101 – Lawal 25, Amer 21, Jackson 17, Newsome 12, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 5, Tolomia 4, Pinto 3, De Ocampo 2, Salva 2, Faundo 0, Caram 0, Jamito 0, Quinto 0.
Columbian 92 – Barone 26, Perez 22, McCarthy 13, Cahilig 11, Corpuz 11, Khobuntin 3, Agovida 3, Reyes 2, Calvo 1, Faundo 0, Camson 0, Celda 0, Escoto 0, Tabi 0.
Quarterscores: 23-18, 50-35, 79-71, 101-92.
