MERALCO relied on the end game performance of Su Braimoh and the returning Chris Banchero to defeat TNT, 109-95, on Sunday in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
Braimoh and Banchero were responsible for the Bolts’ 18-6 finishing kick that sealed the Bolts' third win in four games, which enabled them to join Phoenix Super LPG at second place behind unbeaten Magnolia.
Meralco endures RHJ explosion
Meralco also spoiled the 47-point performance of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as TNT fell to 2-2 in the team standings.
Braimoh had 37 points, while Banchero added 18 points, just days after being reactivated upon his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The Bolts won despite injures to Allein Maliksi (nose) and Aaron Black (knee). Bong Quinto (nose) also played hurt.
“We’ve got a depleted line-up and seeing him and Bong in the groove is important in what we do,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo. “But you have to give credit to Talk ‘N Text, they hit a couple of threes. We had to gut it out.”
With lead down to two, 91-80, the Bolts went on a 9-0 run that was started by a Banchero three-point play and never looked back. Braimoh hit a jump shot with 2:03 left to play to hike the lead to 107-95.
The two combined for 18 of Meralco’s 29 points in the fourth quarter.
Hollis-Jefferson got little support from the locals with Jayson Castro the only other Tropang Giga player in double figures with 19 points.
The scores:
Meralco 109 – Braimoh 37, Banchero 18, Quinto 13, Newsome 12, Hodge 12, Dario 6, Almazan 6, Caram 5, Rios 0, Bates 0.
TNT 95 – Hollis-Jefferson 47, Castro 19, Khobuntin 8, Reyes 5, Williams 5, Oftana 4, Montalbo 3, Heruela 2, Galinato 1, Tolomia 0, Tungcab 0, Ponferada 0.
Quarters: 29-21; 52-42; 80-70; 109-95
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