MERALCO bounced back in a massive way from a humiliating defeat the last time out, routing Titan Ultra, 118-105, on Sunday in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts vented their frustration on the Giant Risers to get back on the winning track after a 109-102 loss to an import-less Rain or Shine side last Friday. They improved to 3-1 (win-loss) in the single-round eliminations.
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Titan Ultra went down to their third loss in four games, crashing back to earth after its stunning victory over San Miguel, 119-112, two Saturdays ago.
The Bolts led by as many as 28 points, but had to survive a late rally by the Giant Risers that saw the lead cut down to as low as eight.
“We had a bit of a problem with their zone. We were a little bit too quick in what we were doing. We went up and down and if you go with that pace, you give the other team a chance to catch up,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.
“But we did enough. Coach Nenad (Vucinic) kinda spoke to the boys about that game against Rain or Shine. We wanted our team back. Didn't seem like that Rain or Shine game was something we are proud about. It's good that the guys responded."
CJ Cansino scored 29 points including 10 in the third quarter where the Bolts led by as many as 28, 78-50. Marvin Jones added 24 points and 14 rebounds to atone for going scoreless in the second half against Rain or Shine.
Rookie Bryan Sajonia had 29 points in his best game so far with Titan Ultra while import Michael Gilmore had 25 points and 16 boards.
The scores:
Meralco 118 – Cansino 26, Jones 24, Quinto 15, Brickman 13, Mocon 11, Banchero 9, Newsome 8, Black 6, Maliksi 3, Hodge 2, Almazan 1, Magbuhos 0.
Titan Ultra 105 – Sajonia 29, Gilmore 25, Munzon 9, Balanza 9, Yu 8, Cuntapay 8, Flores 7, Dionisio 4, Ular 4, Javillonar 2, Caralipio 0, Omega 0, Pessumal 0, Melecio 0.
Quarters: 26-16; 61-42; 89-65; 118-105.
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