Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Meralco Bolts kept their record unscathed after beating TNT KaTropa, 94-89, on Friday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Alex Stepheson registered a game-high 20 points and 27 rebounds for the Bolts.
TNT waxed hot early in the match with a 7-0 blast, but Meralco slowly recovered and cut the deficit to a manageable distance.
With a string of three-pointers connecting, anchored by Ryan Reyes, KaTropa entered the halftime break with a 50-46 advantage.
Baser Amer gave the Bolts their first taste of the lead midway in the third frame which resulted in a momentum shift going into the payoff period.
It was downhill for TNT since then as Meralco was able to fend off any late rally.
Veteran forward Jared Dillinger’s three-point shot sealed the deal for the Bolts, 90-82, with 1:11 left in the game.
Dillinger and Amer had 17 points apiece for Meralco, who claims the top spot in the standings at 3-0.
It was a disappointing debut for Lou Amundson, even though he chalked up 19 markers and 18 boards for KaTropa.
The Bolts will next face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on March 29 (Wednesday) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
Meralco (94) – Stepheson 20, Amer 17, Dillinger 17, Newsome 10, Hugnatan 10, Faundo 6, Daquioag 5, Hodge 5, Chua 3, Caram 1, Uyloan 0.
TNT (89) – Amundson 19, Pogoy 15, Reyes 11, Fonacier 9, Rosario 6, Tautuaa 6, Rosales 6, Carey 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, De Ocampo 3, Williams 3, Tamsi 2, Golla 0, Hernandez 0.
Quarterscores: 22-22, 46-50,74-68, 94-89.
