ENTER KJ McDaniels.

McDaniels scored 31 points — including 13 in the fourth quarfter — to power the Meralco Bolts to an inspiring 92-89 upset win over the league-leading Bay Area Dragons in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

McDaniels, who replaced Johnny O’Bryant as import, was instrumental in Meralco’s comeback against the Andrew Nicholson-led Dragons.

The 6-6 NBA veteran also had eight rebounds and three steals to help the Bolts snap a three-game losing skid and keep their slim hopes alive with their second win in seven matches.

Raymond Almazan had a double-double perfomance with 14 points and 16 rebounds, Allein Maliksi added 13 points and Chris Banchero and Bong Quinto contributed 12 points apiece for the Bolts of coach Norman Black.

“KJ coming into us was like a breath of fresh air for us,” said Norman Black. “He has practiced with us only three days, but he is adjusting well to his new team.”

The win by the Bolts also spoiled the memorable 50-point night of Nicholson for the Dragons.

Nicholson’s 50 points were the most points scored in the league this season since Shabazz Muhammad made 57 in March.

Nicholson went 14-of-26 fom the floor in 45 minutes of action to lead all scorers. He also had 12 rebounds and three assists.

Kobey Lam finished with 23 points and nine rebounds for coach Brian Goorjian

However, Nicholson and Lam were the only Bay Area players who managed to score in double figures.

Meralco tries to make it two wins in a row when it meets Blackwater on Nov. 11at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Bay Area, on the other hand, hopes to get back into the winning track when it plays Rain or Shine on the same day.

The scores:

Meralco (92) — McDaniels 31, Almazan 14, Maliksi 13, Banchero 12, Quinto 12, Caram 5, Pasaol 4, Black 1, Jose 0, Pascual 0.
Bay Area (89) – Nicholson 50, Lam 23, Zhu 5, Ju 5, Zheng 4, Yang 2, Blankley 0, Liang 0, Song 0, Reid 0.
Quarterscores: 20-17, 43-41, 67-67, 92-89.