Chris Newsome of Meralco provides veteran presence. PBA photo
Meralco survives Terrafirma for 3rd straight win
THREE out of three for the Meralco Bolts.
With import DJ Kennedy leading the way, the Bolts survived Terrafirma Dyip, 96-91, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Despite playing in foul trouble, Kennedy managed to finish with 32 points on 8-of-15 shooting, six rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes as the Bolts joined Northport in the early led with perfect 3-0 win-loss record.
. Veterans Chris Newsome and Raymond Almazan added 15 points each while Jansen Rios contributed 11 points for the Luigi Trillo-mentored Bolts.
Almazan also had 12 rebounds.
Import Brandon Edwards tallied a double-double performance of 21 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field and 13 rebounds in 42 minutes of action.
Brent Paraiso added 20 points, followed by Vic Manuel with 13 points and Louie Sangalang with 10 points.
Meralco led, 91-87,at crunchtime, but Manuel clustered four points — a one-handed shot and two crucial free throws — to tie the game at 91-91.
Rios, however, nailed a back-breaking 3 to give the Bolts back the lead, 94-91.
“It was no big deal to me. I trust my teammates. I’ve been practicing with them. we got a great group of guys. We got off to a good start for me. I think just being more disciplined with fouls,” said Kennedy during the post-game interview.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao lauded the performance of former North Carolina star Deon Thompson.
The veteran import debuted with 21 points and 15 rebounds in the Elasto Painters’ 99-81 rout of guest team Eastern for their first win.
The scores:
Meralco (96) — Kennedy 32, Newsome 15, Almazan 15, Rios 11, Caram 7, pascual 6, Quinto 4Hodge 3, Pasaol 2, Black 1, Jose 0, Torres 0.
Terrafirma (91) — Edwards 21, Paraiso 20, Manuel 13, Sangalang 10, Melecio 9, Pringle 6, Olivario 5, Catapusan 2, Nonoy 2, Ramos 2, Ferrer 1, Hernandez 0.
Quarterscores: 21-20, 39-40, 69-61, 96-91.
