MANILA, Philippines – Meralco opened the new year on the right foot and rediscovered its winning ways after outlasting Hong Kong Eastern, 88-83, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, January 5.
Import Akil Mitchell delivered on both ends with 31 points, 14 rebounds, 7 steals, and 5 assists as the Bolts snapped a two-game skid and raised their record to 4-2.
The triumph bodes well for a Meralco side that is slowly returning to the pink of health after an injury-plagued start to the conference, with guard CJ Cansino and big men Raymond Almazan, and Brandon Bates finally seeing action.
“I think it is big that we have guys back, just to get their feet wet,” said Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo.
Bong Quinto backed Mitchell with 16 points, while Aaron Black and Chris Newsome tallied identical numbers of 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists as Meralco picked up much-needed momentum for a tough stretch that will see it play three games in the next nine days.
The Bolts will face TNT on January 7, NLEX on January 10, and NorthPort on January 14.
Black and Newsome provided the finishing touches, allowing the Bolts to hand guest team Eastern just their third loss in nine games.
Eastern pulled within 81-84 with under three minutes remaining off a Kobey Lam triple, but Black gave Meralco enough separation by converting a dipsy doo layup using his off hand.
Newsome then knocked down a pair of free throws inside the final minute to keep Eastern at bay.
Cliff Hodge added 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in the win as he made his presence felt with his hustle.
Import Chris McLaughlin paced Eastern with 28 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals, while Lam tossed in 16 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Steven Guinchard and Hayden Blankley had 13 and 12 points, respectively, in the loss.
Meralco 88 – Mitchell 31, Quinto 16, Black 9, Newsome 9, Black 9, Hodge 6, Banchero 6, Caram 4, Torres 3, Bates 2, Cansino 2, Rios 0, Almazan 0, Reyson 0.
Eastern 83 – McLaughlin 28, Lam 16, Guinchard 13, Blankley 12, Cao 5, Cheung 3, Chan 2, Yang 2, Pok 2, Leung 0, Xu 0.
Quarters: 19-15, 39-36, 69-67, 88-83.
– Rappler.com
