The Meralco Bolts resumed their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup campaign in style after dumping the Terrafirma Dyip
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo was a little anxious when his charges resumed their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup campaign.
The Bolts are coming off a month-long assignment in the East Asia Super League, where they won three of their four games, thanks in large part to imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Sina Vahedi, Ismael Romero and Justin Brownlee.
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Out to check a two-game skid in the PBA, the Bolts showed their mentor that he had nothing to worry about as they dominated Terrafirma, 120-87, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Wednesday, Dec. 10.
“We’re medyo worried because we really haven’t had a chance to practice as a team. We only had one practice,” said Trillo during the post-game press conference.
With sophomore CJ Cansino leading the charge, Meralco sustained its fine play and improved to a 4-4 record.
Cansino finished with 20 points, including 11 in a 31-20 third period that gave Meralco a 91-62 lead that pretty much made it impossible for the Dyip to recover.
Cansino also had eight rebounds and a steal.
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Chris Banchero also came up big with 13 markers, while Newsome scored 12.
Brandon Bates also proved to be an imposing presence down low, posting 16 boards on top of seven points and three blocks, while Bong Quinto and Raymond Almazan had 11 points each.
“It’s nice that everybody kind of chipped in this game. It wasn’t just four, five guys. We have a tough schedule ahead with Phoenix on Friday and Converge on Sunday, so it’s a good one to start with,” said Trillo.
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Mark Nonoy put up a conference-high 22 points, but that was not enough to fan the flames for Terrafirma, which dropped a seventh straight loss for a 1-8 card.
Paolo Hernandez fired three triples for 18 markers, while Louie Sangalang added 13 points.
Meralco vs. Terrafirma Scores:
MERALCO 120 – Cansino 20, Banchero 13, Newsome 12, Quinto 11, Almazan 11, Reyson 9, Bates 7, Black 6, Hodge 6, Rios 6, Jose 6, Comia 6, Maliksi 3, Pascual 0, Caram 0
TERRAFIRMA 87 – Nonoy 22, Hernandez 18, Sangalang 13, Ahanmisi 7, Paraiso 6, Catapusan 5, Rivero 5, Bravo 3, Zaldivar 2, Hanapi 2, Olivario 0, Bataller 0, Garcia 0
Quarterscores: 24-16, 59-42, 90-62, 120-87
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.