ANTIPOLO - Meralco repulsed Rain or Shine, 122-114, on Saturday for its first win in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center.
Antonio Hester gave the Bolts the much-needed presence after they played without an import during their first game against Phoenix Super LPG last Wednesday to go 1-1 win-loss.
Rain or Shine absorbed its second straight loss to open the conference, its first since trading Gian Mamuyac to Phoenix Super LPG last Thursday.
Hester had 21 points and nine rebounds as he fit right in to Meralco after its original import Jordon Varnado got injured and missed their first game.
“Hulog ng langit si Hester. It’s nice to have a quality guy like him while JV is injured,” Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.
Jason Brickman was also productive on Saturday when he chipped in 19 points, seven assists, and three steals.
Brickman had nine points in the third quarter where Meralco got control after outscoring Rain or Shine, 41-23, in that period.
Aaron Fuller had 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Adrian Nocum had 21 points, seven assists, and four steals but Rain or Shine still lost for its first two games of the conference, a first for the team since the Season 48 Philippine Cup.
The scores:
Meralco 122 – Hester 21, Brickman 19, Banchero 15, Quinto 14, Cansino 12, Newsome 10, Bates 9, Hodge 6, Mocon 6, Maliksi 6, Black 0.
Rain or Shine 114 – Fuller 28, Nocum 21, Cuajao 19, Villegas 10, Tiongson 9, Clarito 8, Manaytay 6, Asistio 5, Malonzo 4, Caracut 4, David 0.
Quarters: 32-34; 54-60; 95-83; 122-114.
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