ZACH Lofton exploded for 54 points in his first PBA game to carry Meralco to a 125-99 win over NorthPort on Sunday in the Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
Lofton put on a show in his first match to serve as replacement for the injured Su Braimoh to lead the Bolts to their third straight win, improving their record to 5-1, and climbing to solo third place in the team standings.
Meralco also ended NorthPort’s three-game winning streak as the Batang Pier fell to 5-3.
Lofton’s mark was one point shy of the most recent prolific scoring output by a PBA debuting import when Troy Williams hit 55 for Blackwater last February 9, according to league statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.
Lofton, who is originally Meralco's current import in its East Asia Super League campaign, had 20 points in the third quarter to help the Bolts turn a 49-48 lead into a 92-64 blowout after outscoring the Batang Pier, 43-16, in the period.
Even with the offensive onslaught, Meralco coach Luigi Trillo noted the team’s defense that saw NorthPort import Venky Jois limited to only nine points.
“Our defense started out collectively. He (Lofton) is part of the five guys playing a unit. I think we did a good job with Jois. We know that he can score 30 points a game,” said Trillo.
Allein Maliki had 18 points, while Chris Newsome and Raymond Almazan had 11 markers apiece for the Bolts with Almazan also hauling 15 rebounds.
Fran Yu had 31 points, while Arvin Tolentino added 25 points for NorthPort.
The scores:
Meralco 125 – Lofton 54, Maliksi 18, Newsome 11, Almazan 11, Banchero 8, Quinto 8, Bates 6, Rios 3, Dario 2, Hodge 2, Pasaol 2, Torres 0, Pascual 0.
NorthPort 99 – Yu 31, Tolentino 25, Calma 10, Jois 9, Paraiso 8, Amores 5, Munzon 5, Caperal 2, Chan 2, Ayaay 2, Taha 0, Salado 0, Flores 0.
Quarters: 16-25; 49-48; 92-64; 125-99.
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