Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) — Four Meralco players scored in double digits to lead the Bolts to victory over the Alaska Aces, 89-80, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Nard Pinto scored 16 points while rookie Alvin Pasaol made his best scoring output so far in his pro career with 13. Chris Newsome had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds while Raymond Almazan added 12 markers and eight boards to push Meralco’s slate to 4-1 and hold solo third place in the standings.
“I’m so happy that Coach Norman gave me the chance to score. Our defense is really our priority and we always practice that,” Pinto said.
The Norman Black-mentored Bolts led the game from the opening tip as they showed exemplary team defense in majority of their plays. Meralco led the blocks department, 8-0.
The Bolts led by as much as 16 in the early part of the third quarter, 49-33, as Bong Quinto nailed his two shots from the stripe.
The Aces tried to close in with a scoring run led by Gab Banal and Maverick Ahanmisi to cut their deficit to six after 36 minutes of action, 56-62.
But Pasaol, Almazan, and Newsome did not allow Alaska to stage a comeback as they scored crucial baskets and sealed Meralco’s victory.
“It’s a good effort from everybody. A lot of contributions from a lot of different players from different areas,” Black said.
Banal led Alaska with 20 points while Ahanmisi added 16 markers for the Aces, who lost their third game in five outings.
The Meralco-Alaska tussle was the lone game on Saturday after the league canceled some of its games this weekend due to health and safety concerns.
The Scores:
MERALCO 89 – Pinto 16, Newsome 14, Pasaol 13, Almazan 12, Black 8, Belo 7, Hugnatan 7, Quinto 4, Hodge 4, Jackson 2, Maliksi 2
ALASKA 80 – Banal 20, Ahanmisi 16, DiGregorio 10, Taha 8, Teng 7, Tratter 4, Brondial 4, Casio 4, Adamos 3, Herndon 2, Stockton 2
Quarterscores: 17-14, 41-31, 62-56, 89-80
