MERALCO Bolts relied on import Johnny O’Bryant to outplay Terrafirma, 105-92, and barge into the win column in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

O’Bryant finished with a double-double of 31 points and 11 rebounds in 42 minutes of action to power the Bolts, who outscored the Dyip, 26-16, in the fourth period to win pulling away.

llein Maliksi added 18 points and six rebounds and Kier John Quinto and Aaron Black contributed 17 points apiece for the Bolts, who snapped their two-game losing skid and extended the Dyip’s own woes to four games.

Overall, it was Terrafirma’s 20th straight setback — the second longest in PBA history behind Blackwater with 29.

Lester Prosper led the losing effort of Terrafirma with 35 points 18 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

Eric Camson, Javier Gomez De Liano and Juami Tiongson added 11 points each. for the Dyip of coach Johnedel Cardel.

Alex Cabagnot added 10 pointsfor the Dyip, who played minus the injured Aldrech Ramos.

“When the ball was moving and there was a bit more flow, I think we were able to operate on the offense. We shared the ball,” said interim coach Luigi Trillo.

“Aside from Bong, who played extremely well, give credit also to CB (Banchero), Raymond Almazan, who I thought came out also and chipped in when substituted to help out the regulars,”added Trillo, who called the shots for Meralco in the absence of head coach Norman Black.

Black and Chris Newsome missed the game due to health and safety protocols.

The scores:

Meralco (105) — O’Bryant 31, Maliksi 18, Quinto 17, Black 17, Banchero 12, Almazan 8, Hodge 2, Johnson 0, Caram 0, Pasaol 0, Pascual 0, Jose 0
Terrafirma (92) – Prosper 35, Tiongson 11, Gomez de Liano 11, Camson 11, Cabagnot 10, Munzon 8, Calvo 2, Alolino 2, Gabayni 2, Cahilig 0, Javelona 0, Mina 0, Balagasay 0.
Quarterscores: 26-27, 55-52, 79-76, 105-92.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya