CJ Cansino powered the Meralco Bolts' recovery from back-to-back losses in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
CJ Cansino received the ball from teammate Aaron Black, then swished a smooth three-pointer from the corner that gave his squad, Meralco, an 84-62 lead.
Though there were still over 10 minutes to play, it was clear that Cansino and the rest of the Bolts had the game in the bag, coming up with a 103-85 disposal of Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Wednesday, May 21.
Cansino wound up with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field while also grabbing five rebounds to help Meralco arrest a two-game slide and improve to a 4-5 mark.
The former UAAP champion from University of the Philippines earned Player of the Game honors, but he knows that he still needs to work on his consistency in delivering on both ends for the reigning champion.
“I think 'yong problem ko kasi is alam ko namang kayo ko pero hindi ko magawa consistently,” said Cansino.
“Pero ang mga coaches, palagi akong tinututuruang maging two-way player. Sinsabi nilang OK ang opensa ko pero 'yong depensa ko, kailangang dagdagan,” added Cansino, who also had a steal.
[ALSO READ: Mom, My No. 1: Newsome excited for mother's retirement, looks to spend more time with her]
Chris Newsome complemented the young buck, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Newsome had 11 in the first half where Meralco seized control after taking a 52-39 halftime lead.
Chris Banchero replicated his solid outing in the Bolts' previous game with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
While the Bolts got back on track, the Bossing continued their freefall with a 1-5 record.
Christian David paced Blackwater with his double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds. He also had one assist and three steals.
Sedrick Barefield added 23 markers.
Meralco vs. Blackwater Scores:
MERALCO 103 – Newsome 19, Cansino 14, Banchero 13, Jose 12, Bates 10, Black 9, Quinto 8, Almazan 8, Pasaol 4, Mendoza 4, Torres 2, Rios 0, Maguliano 0
BLACKWATER 85 – David 24, Barefield 23, Escoto 11, Mallilin 7, Casio 6, Jopia 3, Caperal 3, Andrade 2, Ayonayon 2, Tartter 2, Mitchell 2, Guinto 0, Ilagan 0, Corteza 0, Chua 0
Quartescores: 22-18, 52-39, 76-62, 103-85.