Mitchell Meralco import Akil Mitchell delivers. PBA photo

Meralco outplays San Miguel

January 22, 2025 Robert Andaya 171 views
Cruz
Jericho Cruz of San Miguel Beer looks to make a play. PBA photo

AKIL Mitchell, Chris Newsome and Chris Banchero stood out in Meralco Bolts’ 100-93 victory over San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup out-of-town game at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur last Saturday.

The trio of Mitchell, Newsome and Banchero combined for 65 points for coach Luigi Trillo-mentored Bolts, who forced a four-way tie with NorthPort Batang Pier, Converge FiberXers and Hong Kong Eastern with 7-3 win-loss records.

Mitchell finished with 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the floor, 16 rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes of play.

Newsome added 20 points, including 4-of-6 from the three-point territory, four assists and three rebounds while Banchero contributed 19 points.

June Mar Fajardo led the losing effort for the Beermen of coach Leo Austria with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 13 rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes of action, which dropped to 4-5 and remained in eight place.

CJ Perez added 16 points while Malik Pope had 14 points shooting 5-of-10 and nine rebounds in his debut for the Beermen.

Don Trollano contributed 14 points and four rebounds while Juami Tiongson chipped in with nine points.

The Bolts blew a double-digit lead in the second half but maintained their composure.

With five minutes remaining in the final quarter and the Beermen leading 87-86, Trollano made a lay-up to extend their lead to three. The Bolts then went on a 10-0 run, taking a 96-89 lead.

The Beermen cut the lead to three, 93-96, with 2:03 on the clock, but CJ Cansino’s crucial basket extended the Bolts’ lead to five.

The Beermen missed their attempts, and Banchero and Cansino each split their free throws to seal the win for the Bolts.

The scores:

Meralco (100) — Mitchell 26, Newsome 20, Banchero 19, Reyson 7, Almazan 6, Cansino 6, Mendoza 4, Hodge 4, Rios 3, Torres 3, Quinto 2, Bates 0, Caram 0.
San Miguel (93) — Fajardo 20, Perez 16, Pope 14, Trollano 14, Tiongson 9,Tautuaa 8, Cruz 7, Rosales 5, Ross 0, Brondial 0, Teng 0, Lassiter 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 46-47, 80-80, 100-93.

AUTHOR PROFILE