MERALCO claimed the early lead in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup after blowing out Terrafirma, 118-80, on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Bolts never trailed and led by as many as 42 points in a follow-up to their 91-89 win over Converge that was clinched by Chris Newsome's game-winning jumper with 0.8 seconds left.
Two days later, Meralco didn’t need a clutch shot from Newsome as the Bolts were hardly threatened and even had the opportunity to let second- and third-stringers finish off the biggest win in franchise history in terms of margin.
CJ Cansino had 19 points and shot 3 of 5 from four-point distance, including a buzzer-beater to give the Bolts an 86-56 lead at the end of the third.
Bong Quinto set the tone for the Bolts, opening the game with a four-pointer and a three-pointer. He ended up with 13 points, three rebounds, and five assists for Meralco.
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Meralco coach Luigi Trillo was glad with the fast start where the Bolts led, 37-22, which haven’t been the story in their first game against Converge and even in their tune-up matches.
“We have a lot of respect for Terrafirma because we played them in a tune-up. At the half, we were even down by two, and they beat Phoenix,” said Trillo.
“We are feeling good. Guys were making shots, we have our point of attack, it was nice also that we continue to get that lead. But we have a big game against San Miguel,” said Trillo, referring to the team’s next match against the Beermen in the league’s 50th anniversary on Wednesday.
Kurt Reyson had 16 points, while Alvin Pasaol, Brandon Bates, and Jolo Mendoza each had 11 points for the Bolts.
Louie Sangalang continued his stellar play, pouring 23 points and seven rebounds for Terrafirma.
The scores:
Meralco 118 – Cansino 19, Reyson 16, Quinto 13, Pasaol 11, Mendoza 11, Bates 11, Caram 9, Hodge 7, Torres 5, Jose 4, Almazan 4, Rios 3, Newsome 2, Black 2, Pascual 1.
Terrafirma 80 – Sangalang 23, Pringle 11, Melecio 11, Nonoy 10, Romeo 9, Catapusan 7, Ramos 6, Zaldivar 3, Hernandez 0, Hanapi 0, Paraiso 0.
Quarters: 30-16; 56-43; 86-56; 118-80.
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