Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 11) – The Meralco Bolts stretched their unbeaten record to three wins after a dominating performance against sister team NLEX Road Warriors, 110-100, in the resumption of the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Tony Bishop led the impressive showing of the Bolts with a double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds, along with eight assists.
The locals also contributed big in scoring with Aaron Black chipping in 19 points, Chris Newsome with 18 markers, Allein Maliksi scoring 17 points, and Cliff Hodge with also a double-double effort of 11 points and 12 boards.
“I think we located a formula that we can use to win. It starts with defense, with Tony Bishop being a very solid import and being very consistent every game,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black. “Once we controlled the defensive boards, that’s our chance to get out and run.”
It was all Meralco from the start as the Bolts mounted a 24-8 scoring run in the first quarter to end it with a double-digit lead, 33-18.
The Bolts continued to dominate the Road Warriors in the next quarters, posting their biggest lead at 68-49 in the 9:40 mark of the third canto.
In the middle of the third quarter, NLEX tried to overcome its deficit as it lowered Meralco’s lead to eight points, 67-75, with clutch shots from import KJ McDaniels and free throws from debuting Matt Nieto.
The Meralco offensive rampage, however, stopped the little scoring run from NLEX with inside baskets from Bishop and Newsome and continued to hold the lead until the final buzzer.
With the win, Meralco remains at the second spot of the team standings as Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots hold a 4-0 record.
McDaniels had a sensational offensive night for the Road Warriors with 41 points and 12 rebounds, while Kevin Alas contributed 16 markers. The Yeng Guiao-helmed squad lost their second straight game after starting the conference with a 4-0 slate.
The Scores:
MERALCO 110 – Bishop 32, Black 19, Newsome 18, Maliksi 17, Hodge 11, Quinto 6, Caram 4, Almazan 3, Belo 0, Pasaol 0, Canete 0
NLEX 100 – McDaniels 41, Alas 16, Oftana 10, Nieto 10, Semerad 6, Cruz 6, Ighalo 5, Trollano 2, Varilla 2, Quinahan 2, Magat 0, Soyud 0, Rosales 0
Quarterscores: 33-18, 62-45, 88-74, 110-100
