CJ Cansino helped Meralco set the tone for its dominant win against Converge in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
CJ Cansino completed a trifecta in the week that was.
Cansino emerged as the Player of the Game for the third straight time after lifting Meralco past Converge, 105-84, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday, Dec. 14.
The sophomore guard set a career-high 29 points he topped with five rebounds and an assist as the Bolts punched a ticket to the quarterfinals with a 6-4 record.
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“Sobrang important sa'kin ng game na ‘to. Nakatulong pa ako sa team ko dahil alam nating bad start kami sa mga unang games,” said Cansino after the match at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“This game is going to be helpful sa paparating na playoffs for us. So, sana, magtuluy-tuloy ang magandang ginagawa namin.”
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Meralco's blazing to a 33-7 rampage at the onset had a lot to do with the hot-starting Cansino, who fired 12 of his total output to set the tone.
While the FiberXers did show some fight at some point, Cansino and the Bolts simply wrested control the rest of the way.
Cliff Hodge also stepped up with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists without a single turnover, while Aaron Black had 16 markers, eight boards and five assists.
Raymond Almazan and Chris Newsome scored 14 and 10, respectively.
“Siguro, 'yong mga lagi lang sinasabi nila Kuya (Chris) Newsome na sakto lang na sa'kin bumabagsak ang bola. Be aggressive pero kailangan kong maging matalino, kailangan maging experienced,” Cansino said.
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Meanwhile, Juan Gomez de Liaño still came up with an outstanding showing of 27 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal despite Converge's loss.
Justin Arana returned from an ankle injury to contribute 19 markers, nine boards and five assists, while Justine Baltazar had 14 points and seven rebounds.
Meralco vs. Converge Scores:
Meralco 105 – Cansino 29, Hodge 18, Black 16, Almazan 14, Newsome 10, Banchero 6, Quinto 6, Bates 4, Reyson 2, Pascual 0
Converge 84 – Gomez de Liano 27, Arana 19, Baltazar 14, Concepcion 8, Stockton 6, Garcia 4, Winston 4, Muyang 2, Caralipio 0, Eguilos 0, Racal 0
Quarterscores: 33-7, 55-32, 85-60, 105-84
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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.