Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) – The Meralco Bolts drew first blood against defending PBA Governors’ Cup champions Barangay Ginebra, 104-91, in Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals series on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Allein Maliksi paced the Bolts with 22 points and eight rebounds, while import Tony Bishop delivered another double-double effort of 20 markers and 12 boards.
After a tight affair in the first quarter, Meralco started to pull away with a double-digit advantage in the second quarter, with Maliksi and Bishop leading the charge in the paint.
Ginebra failed to solve the Meralco offensive puzzle in the second half as the Bolts stretched their lead to 21 points in the final period, off a three-pointer from Bong Quinto at the 9:37 mark.
Cliff Hodge scored nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to hand the win for the Bolts, without a credible comeback threat from the reigning conference titlists.
“It is very important to get that first win. If you fall behind, the series becomes that much harder to catch up,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black.
The Bolts shot way better, hitting 51% of their field goals, compared to the Gin Kings’ 38% clip. The towering frontline of Ginebra was no match against Meralco, as the latter dominated points in the paint, 52-36.
Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings with 27 points, while Christian Standhardinger put up 20 markers and 14 boards in their loss.
Scottie Thompson also had a highlight game with a triple double of 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in Ginebra’s losing effort.
The Scores:
MERALCO 104 – Maliksi 22, Bishop 20, Hodge 17, Black 12, Newsome 8, Quinto 6, Belo 5, Banchero 2, Jose 2, Caram 0, Baclao 0, Canete 0, Pasaol 0, Jamito 0
GINEBRA 91 – Brownlee 27, Standhardinger 20, Thompson 19, Tolentino 6, Chan 5, Tenorio 5, Caperal 4, Ayaay 3, Pinto 2, Mariano 0, Onwubere 0, Devance 0, Enriquez 0
Quarterscores: 25-23, 53-42, 78-60, 104-91
